I have tied my hair up
for the last ******* time.

I found this knife right
by the bar
to cut through locks
of salt and lime,

to end the sweaty summer neck
and free me from the constant beck
and call
of men who think it's only holy
to keep my hair
below my
hole
and shave the hair above it.

I've tied my hair up
for the last ******* time.

In past, I brushed it
every night
and took my time
to love
the flow
of bright new gold
panned from the river,
and thread my hands through
like the winter
snow
that flows
down through December.

I've tied my hair up
for the last ******* time.

Now when I *****
at a party,
I can work
all by myself
without the worry
of clumping strands
or toilet-hair
and judgement.

I have tied my hair up
for the last ******* time.