#hard brush

ON BECOMING BALD

One of the parting gifts from one of my visits to Hawaii is the above hair brush which I use as a paperweight!  It makes me smile and oftentimes, laugh heartily.  Recently I came across an author who celebrated baldness: Po Chu-Yi, the great Chinese poet of the 9th century. In his poem ‘On Becoming Bald’ he speaks of the joy of losing his hair: no more combing, no more washing, no more sweaty hair. As he lets a refreshing ladle of water trickle over his head, he exclaims, “Now I know why the priest who seeks Repose/Frees his heart by first shaving his head.”

Whether you’re bald, balding or fully haired, here’s the full poem for your enjoyment.

At dawn I sighed to see my hairs fall; At dusk I sighed to see my hairs fall.

For I dreaded the time when the last lock should go … They are all gone and I do not mind at all.

I have done with that cumbrous washing and getting dry; My tiresome comb forever is laid aside.

Best of all, when the weather is hot and wet, To have no top-knot weighing down on one's head!

I put aside my dusty conical cap; And loose my collar fringe.

In a silver jar I have stored a cold stream; On my bald pate I trickle a ladle-full

Like one baptized with the water of Buddha's Law, I sit and receive this cool cleansing joy.

Now I know why the priest who seeks Repose Frees his heart by first shaving his head!

Jean Elizabeth Ward, Po Chu-I: an Homage to (Lulu.com, 2008) Page 72