I got my hair cut
On Saturday
felt I had a winner
as I peered,
younger,
in the salon mirror
Strange how this hairdresser
put me
on another level
my husband kept looking at me
appreciatively later
Wow 15 years
smashed
said a workmate
on Monday
My spiritual director
found me lighter
on Tuesday
It’s my positivity theology
I explained
I cut off the dead wood:
my hair’s
a symbol of that
I’m experimenting
with happiness
joy
and optimism
am on the lookout
for coins in the mouths
of fishes
like the feel
of the breeze
round my neck as I worship
it’s a wind blowing
and kind of
delicious
Now the
angels all praising
and the power
of the Spirit
are free to attend
to all
my good wishes
it’s Pentecost time
I’m playing
with fire
standing right
in the way
of all heaven’s
chances
To start with some
negative ghosts
hanging round
kicked up –
shoved off
once they knew
I meant business
Once I’d staked out my ground
©Tess Ashton
Image: Evening Breeze, Henri-Edmond Cross 1894