Strong hands
massage my scalp,
A minty scent surrounds
my face.
Back and forth through
wet hair
Fingers pass and circle
and soothe
Until my mouth hangs open
and my eyes close,
And then the gentle hiss
of water,
And the warmth floods through
my brain
Until the soap dissolves
down the sink
And my hair drips
with happiness
On a Saturday morning
at the hair salon.