avatarJenine "Jeni" Baines

Summary

Jenine Bsharah Baines muses on the transformative power of hair products, likening their cleansing and conditioning effects to a metaphorical journey of self-improvement and spiritual enlightenment.

Abstract

In a whimsical and reflective piece, Jenine Bsharah Baines explores the notion of hair care products as agents of spiritual and emotional purification. She imagines a world where these grooming essentials not only cleanse and condition one's hair but also have the capacity to nourish and illuminate the soul. Drawing on mythological references such as Jason and the Argonauts and biblical figures like Samson, she crafts a narrative that intertwines the mundane act of shampooing with the heroic journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Baines humorously suggests that the right hair product could imbue one with the strength and courage to embark on life's challenges, much like the heroes of old. The poem acknowledges the exhaustive and sometimes perilous nature of such a journey, while also paying homage to the patience and resilience required in everyday acts of self-care, particularly for those with long, curly, or kinky hair.

Opinions

  • The author believes that hair care products could have a profound impact on one's spiritual well-being, suggesting they might "softly strip [one] of [their] fears" and provide strength during moments of weakness.
  • Baines draws a parallel between the nurturing effects of hair potions and the enduring nature of love, implying that both can be sources of revitalization and strength, yet sometimes fall short of expectations.
  • She expresses a sense of camaraderie with fellow individuals who have long, curly, or kinky hair, recognizing the patience required for hair care as a form of heroic battle.
  • The poem reflects a playful appreciation for the Muse's inspiration, which in this case, struck during a routine hair care session, leading to the creation of the piece.
  • Baines extends gratitude to Victor Sarkin and his team for providing a platform for her musings, highlighting the connection between the physical vessel of hair care products and the metaphorical 'genius in a bottle'.
  • The author tags Adelia Ritchie, PhD, predicting she will resonate with the themes of the poem, and expresses deep appreciation for her readers, whom she considers the ultimate 'spiritual conditioners' for her soul.

Existential Conditioning

what if hair products made souls glow too

copyright of Jenine Bsharah Baines

What if our caddies of concoctions cleansed and conditioned our souls as well as our hair? Would my bar of Jason and the Argon Oil shampoo softly strip me of my fears and put me in the pink

so that I, like the Argonauts, would at last begin my own hero’s journey? Would the scent of roses follow me – a sign undeniably un-saintly I am on the path The Little Flower tread?

On days I felt weak, would Power course from my follicles to ventricles to quaking knees? On dark nights, would Glory remind me to embrace the moon, sing to constellations, and swallow like a host the star that falls

just as I happen to gaze upward — my lips doors opening in awe?

The hero’s journey is exhausting, perilous. Ask Samson who, lulled into a deep sleep he undoubtedly welcomed after fighting Philistines and lions, lost his locks. So sorry, Sam,

you had no Revive. It’s leave-in. Like love ought to be, strives to be but sometimes isn’t –

the wrong product for journeys too hair raising to be borne,

to risk rebirthing.

©Jenine Bsharah Baines 2021

As anyone with long curly to kinky hair knows, shampooing is not for the fainthearted. It takes heroic patience.

I am not patient.

The other day, I was engaged in heroic battle with both my impatience and my tangle-prone hair. As I slowly worked the rose-scented Jason and the Argon Oil shampoo through each strand, my eyes fell on the products lining the tub…and, voila, the Muse and I were in business.

Thank you, Victor Sarkin and team at Genius in a Bottle for a home for this pondering. Puns can be so corny, but I love how hair potions often come in bottles — as do genius elixirs.

Tagging Adelia Ritchie, PhD because I sense she will relate to this poem. Thank you, dearest readers — the best spiritual conditioners for my soul ever.

Spirituality
Poetry
Poetry On Medium
Curly Hair
Life Lessons
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