Wash Day

Summary

"Wash Day" is a reflective free verse poem that explores the intimate and sometimes contentious relationship between a person and their hair during the weekly routine of hair washing.

Abstract

The poem "Wash Day" delves into the emotional and physical process of washing natural hair, which is elevated to a sacred weekly ritual. The author personifies their hair, describing a moment of harmony and mutual understanding as they care for it. The act of washing becomes a therapeutic session where both the author and their hair exchange grievances and dreams, leading to a cathartic release. The poem emphasizes the importance of this solitary time dedicated to self-care and the hair's need for hydration and maintenance. After the washing, the hair seems to come alive with complaints and requests, to which the author responds with their own perspective, highlighting the ongoing dialogue and negotiation in their relationship.

Opinions

The author values the weekly hair washing ritual as a non-negotiable act of self-care.
There is a deep connection and understanding between the author and their hair, with the hair being personified as a living entity with needs and opinions.
The poem suggests that the hair has its own desires, such as more frequent moisturizing and different hair care products.
The author acknowledges the hair's needs but also defends their own hair care practices, indicating a complex relationship with self-maintenance.
The act of washing the hair is seen as both a physical and emotional cleansing, where personal grievances are acknowledged and released.

A free verse poem about the best/worst day of the week

On wash day the only item on my to-do list is: “wash my hair.”

It deserves the space.

My hair and I disagree most days but on wash day we’re in sync I listen closely as every kink and coil unravels tired from performing —desperate for water… it listens to me as I complain about the week how things seem bleak — but sometimes I still dream…

Our grievances fall into the sink.

Before I wash out the deep conditioner, my hair and I make a pact to prioritize this weekly ritual no double booking allowed this time is ours and ours alone.

Once my freshly-washed hair makes its public debut, it starts an argument:

Why can’t you moisturize me every day instead of every other day? Why can’t you use tea tree oil instead of castor? Why can’t you cut my damn ends for once?

I argue back. It’s a performance after all. Besides — I know where we stand.