Six Feet Tall
Sitting on these cold cement steps
Waiting to be called, think I’m up next
Patiently doodling as life goes by
Watching the twirling candy, I let out a sigh.
Homemade singlet, stubbie shorts and bare feet
Coming here I always think is quite neat
Dad’s now finished, I’m called in
“Morning David!” says Mr. Gray as I grin.
Aromas in this shop, one can never forget
No lace, perfumes or girlie hairnets
A real mans place. They laugh, smoke and swear
If a lady did “drop in” they were gentlemen beyond compare.
Walls doted with photos of horses and footy greats
Dad said, “One could place a bet with Mr. Grays mate”
Huge red leather chairs make you feel like a king
Collections of hair in the corner, ready for the bin
Checkered sheet around me and paper towel tucked tight
Sitting there like this, must have been a funny site
Mr. Gray says, “David you need a shave it seems”
Dad smiles and nods, to this he jokingly agrees.
Other men present seem to think this is true
Mr. Gray mixes some white, moist, fluffy goo
With cup, brush and towel he’s moving at a pace
Now brushes the white mixture all over my face.
Placing his fingers firm, tilts my head to the side
Down my face I feel the cutthroat blade slide
Head leaning back, the blade moves up my chin
Mr. Gray looks in my eyes, gives a reassuring grin
I learned years later the shaver’s blunt side was used
If mum found out, Mr. Gray would have been abused
My face now wiped and aftershave splashed on
Mr. Gray started on my hair as he sang a song
New electric clippers tickle the back of my neck
I ask, “Are you nearly finished?” he said “Not quite yet”
Dusting me off with that wide soft brush
Now the men are clapping, how this made me blush.
To be a young man among men was a great feeling
When all shook my hand, this left my mind tingling
T’was one of those days a young man will never forget
Men in a barber shop, laughing, talking or reading a gazette.
There’s a strut in my step as I move across the floor
This kind of feeling I’ve never had before
Turning then waving goodbye to all
An eight-year-old boy feeling six feet tall
David J Delaney
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