by Mwanabibi Sikamo

Anagen

1. Inky black wispy curls cradling my scalp, Grandma cradling me.
2. Superstitious silky strands, grown in utero now shaved. Woolly yellow bonnet itching pulsing supple skin.
3. Kinky field of black pink-stemmed daffodils. Cornrows planted in dreamland.

Catagen

4. Steel comb scorched between molten red charcoal. Nervous fingers guarding exposed ears. Greasy locs grazing tingling shoulders till next wash.
5. Broken bands, Broken brushes, Broken dreams of bouncy curls. Small ribbons snapping, slapping at a mother’s patience. Creamy Crack to tame us both.
6. Two Sister’s Salon weaving mini mukule, cheeks lulling on soft thighs.
7. Boom Shaka-Brandy Braids whipped through angsty teen.

Telogen

8. Rollers, tongs and curlers. Steaming under moist hood dryers. Oozy, crabby, Crack-filled scalp. Scratchy synthetics. Clumps of wiry orange tresses, scraping at the sink.
9. The Big Chop. Closed eyes, belly sighs, fluffy halo drenched in flowing showers.
10. Avocado, Yogurt, Honey, nourishing both hair and body. Mongongo, Shea, Mafura, applying ancient oil and methods.
11. Threads, knots, mukule and fikuti. Roll, tuck. High and low puff. Grecian twists and two strand twists. Short back and sides. Bald again. Coils again.

Exogen

12. Not yet gray.

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