Writer's Cramp entry - The part of the job they don't train for in beauty college... |
The Manicurist She works at the little parlor Down at the end of the strip mall Taking care of clients Of every stripe and variety She cleans and beautifies Only a small part of each person Not even the most noticed part Hairstyles, clothes, faces and bodies Will all draw the eye from her handiwork But the clients notice They come to have some artistry Applied or changed to suit the current mood Sometimes it is the only luxury They offer to themselves Sometimes it is the only joy They feel they can afford They always talk Sometimes light and fluffy things Dates and shopping, smiles and laughter Sometimes pain and disappointment Lost jobs, broken hearts, or troubled lives She listens She laughs and smiles when the news is good She nods when truth is spoken She clucks and pats a hand to comfort the hurt And keeps providing that small bit of new beauty That proves things can always be better She doesn't have the answers But she can listen Sometimes talking relieves the ache Sometimes the answers are found in the speaking Sometimes she is a "many-curist" Helping heal wounded souls With a little paint and polish, and an open heart. |