She's biting her nails (for Jenny)

She’s biting her nails
restless
relentless
driven
subject to a
devouring creature
living inside
So nervous
half sick
nothing helps
but biting
She won’t stop
until nothing is left
but a rugged landscape
on her fingertips
She’s biting her nails
even if her mom told her not to
a lifetime
her mom was wrong
she has no choice
nevertheless
the poison
administered in tiny doses
shows destructive effects
damaging her for years
leaving a voice
hissing
every time
she has to show her fingers
ugly
dirty
all bitten
skin in shreds
sores
a pity to look at
But,
she feels sympathy
for her pitiable little creatures
She resists the temptation
to hide her fingers
she’s got to love them
after all
August 2005 © Monika Richrath