my hands already know how to braid my hair

My hands already know how to braid my hair

At 15, I cut my hair
the ends tickle my chin.
sensational.

At 8, my hair is too short to braid.

Back to 15. My fingers miss the eleven absent inches.

At 8, I braid my mom’s hair
         and she brushes my bangs.

Back to 15. I hate my bangs.

At 10, my hair is long enough
           and my hands already know how to braid it.

At 12, I braid everyone’s hair on the tennis bus.

At 13, he likes my hair long.

At some point, I think how long it takes to wash.

Then, 14, I like my hair
                 and not my face.

Then, 15, my hair is heavy
                 and hot on my neck
                 and my hands already sweat.

Now.
16.

I do not like how I look
 on my driver’s license

My face is exposed, ugly, bare…
not hidden by hair.

but.

I like seeing my hair braided again.