Poem by Jeri Mcandrews
Local artists – September 1997 – Colorado Central Magazine
BRAIDS
Some people pat the earth
as if it was a pet
no kidding…
listen,
if you
have long hair
you live in a waterfall
if you have braids
or a ponytail
it’s like having a tail
or another limb
to feel with
it’s the next best thing
if you don’t have fur
or leaves
or wings covered with
feathers
to span the miles
of landscape to escape
brooding and sighing
wash your hair
and try again
squeaky hair
means fresh
start see there are
nerve endings in
your hair that act
as antennæ they
receive messages
hair has scent
and mood swings
your hair day
bad or good
is your
horoscope
your
only hope
which ever way
the wind blows
your hair is
the direction
you should go
— Jeri McAndrews
