I once asked the aging woman down the block

why she always painted her nails red

she said “Honey,

sweetie, my darling.

red is the color of love,

desperation,

and beauty

all the things I wish I still had.

You must cherish your youth,

love as long as you can,

embrace your beauty,

and speak of true honesty.”

I once asked the aging woman down the block

why she always had a smile on her face

she said, “Honey,

sweetie, my darling.

Smiles are contagious,

and happiness is taken for granted.

The world needs more brightness!”

I once asked the aging woman down the block

why she always held her head high

she said, “Honey,

sweetie, my darling.

Confidence is the key to success.

You must find the right door!”

I once asked my mother where the aging woman

from down the block went

she told me, “Honey,

sweetie, my darling.

She is in a better place now.”

Many years later my daughter asked me,

“Why do you always paint your nails red?”