old lady

in your hair lies wisdom.

radiance, shine and sparkling white.

o old lady

ancient bones & sagging skin

o gentle pappus.

let loose without a care

such freedom, such grace

pouffy, slivery white strands

and sunken, greying eyes

how did you get here miss?

all my youth i had tight braids
oiled and knotted
not a single strand left free.
a crown of jet polish
pulled back and away 
my vision was clear.
with steady focus i toiled all day
the blacks became gray,
i did not notice.
i toiled and toiled all day
time flew.
and perhaps, my hair wanted that too
fraying & windswept
breaking its constraint
these locks finally feel free.