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I am tired of the stares and it cannot go on like this. It’s got worse since the national lockdown was extended.
I’m even afraid to go out of the house looking like this.
But recently, I braved the elements. I went out to buy a pair of hair clippers after my trusted ones just packed up.
The shop assistant told me the clippers were not an essential item. I would have to come back once the lockdown ended.
Then I went to my brothers – the ones from west Africa. And alas, they were nowhere to be found. The place was deserted. Apparently, theirs is also not an essential service.
I have learnt not to question certain things in life, especially their timing. But I have wondered: Why did my hair clippers decide to abandon me now, mara?
As a Christian, I know there’s a verse that says there is a time for everything. I guess this was the time for hair clippers to give up. But why now?
Now look at me. A grown beard and a full head of hair. I think I look like a zombie, even though I have no idea what zombies look like. But I think I’m not far off, with my hairline now showing like never before.
Even one of my colleagues teased me – during a video conference, nogal – saying I should shave.
I didn’t respond as I knew he was in the same predicament. The hypocrite that he is, he said to me madalaside (offline) that he also wanted to cut his hair.
But it is neither by choice nor by desire, it is circumstances beyond my control.
Now I know what those who challenged the president to open watering holes, for them to at least get “takeaways”, must be going through without their essential goods.
As I’m stuck at home, every time I look in the mirror, I see a different person. This can’t be me.
I’m itchy and always scratching. But my kids love this “new look” and have pleaded with me to keep it for longer.
After being away for almost two weeks, my daughter couldn’t stop admiring my new look when she got back. She brushes my beard and hair at every opportunity.
Little does she know that deep down I am cursing and not enjoying her being touchy-touchy.
The only consolation is that I’m stuck indoors (as per orders) and many people can’t see me. In fact, I refuse to be seen in public like this.
With hair clippers classified as non-essential items, I am tempted to start a petition to the president to allow our brothers to operate during this lockdown; after all, they are an essential service to some of us.
I know I’m not alone on this one. I have seen endless complaints on social media, particularly from the women, about them not being able to do their hair and nails because the salons are closed.
The number of selfies has drastically gone down as many of us don’t want to be seen in this state.
That’s where my petition starts. Let those who are in the same boat raise their hands. Can I get an “Amen”.
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