Cosmetology Student

I was on my way downtown a few weeks ago, 

when I was joined on the bus by a woman who was 

on her way home from her cosmetology classes 

a block or so from the bus stop.

Under her arm, she carried a mannequin

head on which she practices all the

techniques she's learning at school. 

The heads are de rigueur for all students,

but this is the first one I'd seen

that is male. I've always been a bit startled by

the heads. Some are carried in totes,

others in backpacks, but this one was

being carried under the young woman's arm.

one half of his head shorn,

the other with his black hair

 flitting in the breeze.