(for Precious Gumede)
by Abu Bakr Solomons
I looked at your profile pic
and saw that you were not
donning a wig anymore
It felt, after so many
years, that I finally saw
you, real, bold and true
Your beautiful dark eyes
contoured eyebrows
and generous lips
all seemed so distinct
defined, unspoiled by
a shadow of fibred crown
Then you confirmed
how relieved you felt after
wearing it for sixteen years
how long you struggled with
make believe (oh what we
do to ourselves to be loved)
you exclaimed how elevating
it is to feel rain pattering on your
head, no pulling and flattening
and the dreadful itch is gone
vanquished like a persistent
curse, punishment, exorcised
Finally you are free to declare:
I am here – no longer fraught
with the moil of shame
re-entering my world with
my soft, shiny, ebony crop
laid bare, so triumphantly