that deadened fingernail
first damaged long ago
not quite a lifetime but
time enough
to feel that way
is showing signs of regrowth
partially shrouded but visible
beneath the lingering ruin
the fingertip was caught
ensnared and pressed
more firmly than
could be endured
though care was provided
the bruising ran deep
and undermined any chance
of this body's repair
unexpectedly
and unimaginable
in spite of this layer
of lamented keratin
there stretched forth
a sudden burgeoning
a crescent of cuticle
and lunula
telling of the strength
of the fingernail to come