My beard has been on my face
for over eight years and I’m still yet to find
the right cream to stop my chin from itching.
I first wore my beard in public
to a friend’s wedding. We sat on tables
in rows like long boats and drank
thick pints of sweet cider wearing sunglasses
because the sky was a bit too bright.
My nose was pink by the end of the day
and my arms danced as though
there were struggling to lift a heavy sword.
I can’t remember what we ate but
I dabbed my top lip more than ever before
because of my brand new moustache.

© Carl Burkitt 2022