you (don’t need to) apologize for the inconvenience

please don’t be afraid to paint your nails.

please don't teach yourself to shudder at
the time it takes to dry
because you've decided it's a crime
to be temporarily unavailable; please don't

cower at the notion
that someone might need you
to mop the floor or
do their hair and
just this once you’ll
have to ask them
to wait; please don't

let yourself think that
to be a good person you
have to be there every minute,
no breaks,
ready.

please don’t rob yourself
of those few giddy moments
the polish shiny
fresh
yours.