How many scalps
does a barber need to stare at
to get confident enough
to turn a customer’s head
to the perfect position
without saying a word?
My eyes are on a 30 degree angle,
they’re looking a plug socket
embarrassed it is painted
to look like the brown wooden
panelling it’s stuck to.
My eyes are straight again,
staring at a man unsure
when to say enough is enough.

© Carl Burkitt 2022