I wrote a lot of poetry in college. My sophomore year (2005) I debated whether or not I should stop relaxing my hair. This poem was written at the very beginning of my transition. This is my favorite poem that I’ve written.
My Hair
I like to examine
the way my hair grows
at the roots,
naturally.
The fuzz of my frizz
and the contours of my curls
I can’t remember.
Every six weeks
I burn them with chemicals,
breaking down the beauty
I was Given.
For simplicity, perhaps
or maybe
I’m trying to reach a standard
expected of me
I can never achieve;
a straightness
that wasn’t Created–
by God–
for me.
I want it to grow back
all of it.
I want a mane
like Leo,
the lioness that I am.
I can’t remember what my hair looks like!
Because beyond the roots,
only the raggedy, scraggly wannabe
of something I’m not, I see.
As you can see, I went through with the transition. (December 2005) Glad I did 🙂
© Talia Clay
