I Used To Paint My Toes Pink

I used to paint my toes pink

Back when I wanted yellow hair and freckles and dimples

And things glittered when you look at them just right

I wore baseball caps that summer

With braids and wooden necklaces and all sorts of plaid

And I swore I saw a shooting star every night

I would dance barefoot in cold water

I was daring and young and wanted everyone to see

Especially him, I was desperate for him to notice

If I knew then how quickly he’d take it all

Every little piece of my innocence

I’d have turned away

By the end of the summer, there was no more pink

I cursed my freckles and nothing could glitter

No matter how you looked at them

I never stayed awake long enough to catch a shooting star

And cold water made me sad

And to think all those simple things gave me so much

Those were the days of hearts worn on sleeves

But every girl learns the hard way

That the easiest road to a broken heart

Is paved with little innocent joys

We never learn to say goodbye

Until we’re forced to

More than a fleeting romance is lost

Our childhood is crucified

And pink toes are scorned.

Reviews

[not here]

Hi Molly
This is a very commendable write. It seemed to have good structure and rhythm. Prosaic and poignant. I like this style, so I say well done and thanks for sharing!

[Molly Garnet]

Thank you very much!!