The haircut Having a haircut today Soothing fingers working shampoo in, rinse of water Smell of berry conditioner in my hair. Different chair now. Scissors begin to cut away. Sound and feel makes me tremble. Kind young girl places her hand on my shoulder Asks if I’m okay. How do I say nothing can compare to your haircut? STUPID BITCH Hands slam me against the wall LET ANOTHER MAN TOUCH YOUR HAIR Am knocked to the floor NOTHING BUT A CUNT AND A WHORE Curl into ball as feet begin to stomp me GOT A SURPRISE FOR YOUR ASS Kicking stops suddenly Hot wet sobs are choking me Your body on top of mine Cold steel against my neck Scissors are hacking my hair away If I move or fight, where will the scissors go next? “Honey, I’m done.” Look up, startled to see she’s finished. Blow-dryer stops. Did I hear it start? Few last-minute flicks with the comb. Touch new, lighter hair. Thank the kind young girl. Look down at the floor at tired dead-ends chopped away. Could hate you today But choose to leave you behind with those dead-ends.
Anonymous
White Castle Mommy works at White Castle.
Empire and Utica, whizzing past cars to serve them their midnight snacks. Where are we? Four little girls alone at night and Daddy’s in charge. Watch your back. Who spilled milk at dinner? Or needed a failing test signed? All you have to do is simply roll your eyes to get sent to the end of the long hallway. That walk feels like a mile. Curl into bed with sad eyes. No one is speaking or asking questions. We all know the drill. Big Sister slips next to me from upper bunk. Curl into her warm embrace. Quiet, dark room. Mommy comes home in morning light to check that we are safe.
Anonymous
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