Bryan D. Cook

Saga of a Ginger

High-school where I’m nicknamed Wire Wool by our rugby coach for a bristling shock of red hair used to scour mud into the eyes of the opposing scrum.

Rocking to “Hair” in the “Age of Aquarius.” The mop grows into a massive afro with scaggy beard to match. Dad says my face is like a ferret poking out of a bear’s arse. “Hey man, I’m cool with that!”

Married and settling down, becoming a bureaucrat. All trimmed up, pencil beard and turning salt and pepper. Failed hair dye looks like a wig.

Retired to wispy grey. Retry an afro but it just wilts and there’s Dad’s bald spot to deal with. “Thanks, man!”

A full shave proves much more comfortable. Until my life partner declares that my oversized bowling ball looks brutish and a bandana makes it worse. “Your whisker-free jowls and wattle make you look like your mother!”

Attempting regrowth, but at 76 it’s taking a long time! And it’s an urban myth that it continues to grow in the coffin.

at the barber's
"keep on cutting
'til the cowlick's gone"

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About the Author

Retired from directing Canada’s energy science and technology, Bryan D. Cook He now pursues interests in Canadian history, genealogy and genetics, fishing, gardening, poetry, and fine woodworking. He is mentored through Ottawa’s TREE Reading Series and the KaDo Haiku and Tanka Society. He won the 2019 Genjuan Haibun international competition and recently published his first book of haibun, Haibun Chowder.

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