My Hands Poem by Minnie Gehrig

my hands are a contradiction,
10 perfectly manicured marron
nails, smiling
in there acrylic hardness
adorned with silver and gold rings,
runes and butterflys,
red cobalt, done in the style of indians,
antique and pewter hearts
sparkle and sing,

on the other side,
working hands
rough calluses and blisters
bubbling under the push and pull of
sweepeing and mopping,
the daily grind and grime
standing on its own,
unafraid,

both sides of the same girl,
preety and rough
the contradiction of me,
right there for anyone to read,
what do you say,
a smile and a handshake.