COME (by Makhosazana Xaba)

Come, I want to sit on your lap
with my legs around your waist.
In a basket: beads, combs, oil, and shells,
so I can play with your hair.

I want to massage your scalp with oil until my fingertips feel it come alive.

With the fine-toothed comb I want to scrape specks of dandruff I find, then blow gently.

With the forked comb I want to part your hair this way and that way, expose your scalp, letting it breathe.

Come sit, it’s time to play with your hair:
twist sections;
braid others;
tie a few;
adorn some with beads;
and others with those shells we picked on that day it all began.
© Makhosazana Xaba
© Picture credit and photo copyright