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.