Since 2nd grade, thats how long it's been

I haven't cut my hair since second grade

It stretched it long luscious fingers down my back

 

Everyone complimented it, noticed when I had a new hairstyle.

Strangers would come up to my petting m as though I was a dog,

reminiscing when their hair was rich, both men and women alike

Some tell me how long they have been growing it out,

Others talk about their current problems with their hair.

 

Since 2nd grade.

When I was forced to get it cut

because my arms were too short to reach any farther

My mother didn't have the time to help me,

always being on the run to her next job.

Then came the Snip.

 

I was threatened by close friends

"you ever cut your hair, I will hurt you" a smile and wink followed

Some i believed may do something after having so many problems of their own

Elderly residents reminisce about old boyfriends, girlfriends, wives and husbands

each enjoying the hair for themselves.

Yet I was ready for a new beginning.

 

14 inches.

Since 2nd grade getting trims once a year, I've grown 14 inches.

Then it went in a ponytail, loose and just below my shoulders

little by little I could feel my chains and links be lost.

Elderly won't ramble my ear off on loved ones long gone

Strangers won't come to me to talk about their memories and frighten me at first

My nephews and nieces wont pull at it with wonder and amazement in their eyes

I won't have the deads ends hold me back to what could have beens

The memories of old boyfriends, telling my they love my long hair,

Won't hold me down in the long dark night

 

Since 2nd grade, over 10 years I have grown my hair.

It was done with a simple snip...more like a few snips

The difference?

I was released from past burdens, long forgotten freedom in my grasp again.

I will miss the hair, the styles, the memories. But now...

I have been able to realize the only change you make is yourself,

your impact is based on what you do.

The elderly talk about when they were young and full of life, like myself,

the world ahead of them.

Strangers respect my manners and talk of people I remind them of.

all because of 14 inches, gone.