Curl Cream

I have been told

To put curl cream in my hair

Upside down, eyes 

Straining against the ceiling light,

Curls straining toward the tile floor,

Bunching.

I will smell

Of avocado and coconut for hours;

My hair will be tight

All day.

I wonder what would happen

If my hair always looked salt-stung,

Rollicking waves down my shoulder, unfixed,

Breathing.

I wonder how I'd look

If I'd never been taught to watch myself dripping

In the bathroom mirror and fix the loose ends, smooth

Over ragged strands and smile.

I have been told

To put curl cream in my hair.