polish (this did not happen)

polish (this did not happen)

Then, without hesitation, she grasped Tengo’s hand, and looked up into his face….

Then she suddenly let go his hand, and with the hem of her skirt flaring, she trotted out of the classroom.

1Q84, Haruki Murakami

i prefer black nail polish

or shades so dark they appear black

although “prefer” understates

this fascination and my jealousy

and then i see your most desired hands

the polish a pinkish-orange i’d call melon

so i ask you if i may hold your hands

each nail like a precious Jordan almond

and you smile raising your hands to me sighing

“it’s been so long since we’ve held hands”

•

it wasn’t you

this did not happen

the hand and nail polish more pink than orange

merely a passing car and someone i do not know

and then the fist of remembering you pounding in my chest

while i alone in my car drove down this black highway