Leaving the barbershop with the Dad

Resulting in his razor-sharp Marine crew cut

Finished with sticky ointment

Making the hairs

On my forehead stand erect.

Itchy lose hairs down my back

Arriving back at Marcus Avenue

Spring weed grass

Attacked my nostrils

The air conditioner

Soothed the runny nose

And leaky eyes.

The a/c protected

The squealing baby robin’s nest

Walled between the chimney

Against the brutalities

of Long Island.