My mother grows my hair

my Mother owns my
hair, not i.

i merely keep it; comb it;
wash it daily; for Her.

Twice i cut it, chopping
off seven inches, leaving
a headful for the
mischievous breeze to

only blow.

but She is determined:
that come graduation day,

braids will bundle the remaining inches
of hair--

Hair that is Her,
not mine.