My hair consultant visited last week,
but not to cut the Covid mane I’ve grown.
She brought me product, and we stood to speak
six feet apart and masked, outside my home.
She’s middle-aged and smart, self-made and skilled.
Ten months ago is when she cut my hair
so well, it’s nicely longer, curling as I’ve willed.
I’d recommend her craft most anywhere.

But she no longer works in the salon
she founded with a partner – she can’t ply
her trade with business closed and money gone.
As she observed (her grin approaching wry):
“I figured I’d cut hair no matter what.
I never dreamed my living would be shut.”