The only woman who understands
barbershops is a woman barber.

The rest just pretend,
call it a haircut

when it’s an awakening,
a becoming of becoming

who we can be, shaping
rough edges that make us

men. What makes us men
is more than talcum and shears—

we need eyes to see our ugly,
ears to hear our fears,

razor blades to shave away
what no longer serves us

as men.

Step in unkept.
Step out a new man,

less of you but more complete,
now aware that what could be

can be. You are what no other man
can be.

“What will it be?”