polish

the naming
of nail
polishes
appeals to
the sterile:
for who
but women deprived
would delight
in naming
each minute
shade
Blushing Beryl
Dewy Nude or
Ruddy Confusion
as they have
children in
their imagination

there are
the puns
unforgivable, unavoidable
in any venture
Hard as Nailfiles or
Chartruse with Envy, colors
unwearable except
as mis-
adventure
of being young
drumming them
against resumes
rendered null
by their neon
oranges and chip-
ping greens

there are
names that
taken literally
disturb:
Flaming Vixen?
put her out! names
like Angry Seduction
or Overripe Plum
hint at a series
of glum teachers
of shortest stories
offering
instruction,
hoping
for fame.