It seems a decade ago but it was just last summer I decided to cover. I knew then that it would be more than just covering my hair. Ever since that fateful day, I have been dodging to address the matter openly thus to Him I whisper my doubts and beliefs. At the back of my mind though I know that this day would come – not to fabricate intention but to share experience. Therefore, being assigned to analyze Brooks’ works I stumbled upon “To Those of My Sisters Who Kept Their Naturals”, which speaks clearly on behalf of my indistinct voice.
As much as the hair signifies women’s beauty, I’ve chosen to conceal it. I’ve yet to endure the greater challenge of covering that crowning glory - as suggested by some - but at this moment I’m blessed to learn that my hair does not define me. When Brooks says, “Nor have you testified to adoration of that state / with the advertisement of imitation,” (121) I understand that your attributes distinct you.
To Those of My Sisters Who Kept Their Naturals
Never to look a hot comb in the teeth
by Gwendolyn Brooks
Sisters!
I love you.
Because you love you.
Because you are erect.
Because you are also bent.
In season, stern, kind.
Crisp, soft—in season.
And you withhold.
And you extend.
And you Step out.
And you go back.
And you extend again.
Your eyes, loud-soft, with crying and with smiles,
are older than a million years,
And they are young.
You reach, in season.
And All
below the richrough righttime of your hair.
You have not bought Blondine.
You have not hailed the hot-comb recently.
You never worshipped Marilyn Monroe.
You say: Farrah’s hair is hers.
You have not wanted to be white.
Nor have you testified to adoration of that state
with the advertisement of imitation
(never successful because the hot-comb is laughing too.)
But oh the rough dark Other music!
the Real,
the Right.
The natural Respect of Self and Seal!
Sisters!
Your hair is Celebration in the world!
