Today's poem is by Shayla Hawkins

Medusa Instructs the New Cosmetologist
       

My hair be a snake bush
a hydra-headed hurricane
whirling
writhing
in its raw power

Hear that hiss?
That's not an apology
or a plea for you to accept
and understand me

Those be the serpent sisters
on my scalp
dishing you fair warning
that if you play the fool with me
it will be at your peril
and telling you too
that my tresses
are to be trimmed
not tamed
styled
not stifled

But don't be scared
They won't bite
unless they have to
and their venom stings
but almost never kills

So just breathe
Relax
Take your time
Work your magic

Tweet

Copyright © 2023 Shayla Hawkins All rights reserved
from Exquisite by September
EastOver Press
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission