Combing

By Cassandra Whitaker

Grip the scalp—hold 

it still before pushing  

the brush through  

fibers that fuzz— 

tangle and catch light  

Take time  Take time  

To comb out tangles—  

each pull is a pull  

on trouble— work it out  

with gentle firm brushes  

Brush—brush—brush 

Persevere  Soon— all will lay 

smooth  Soon  Grab it  

by the back of the head  

—press down  

on the most desperate 

curls—sistered together 

and twisted   Resist 

the urge to yank 

the frizz as it flowers  Press  

and press and work  

the comb through  There is no pain—  

after all— On with joy  

goes the labor  On with joy 

goes the body   With the body— joy  

moves and moves 

and moves   Isn’t that all   

there is?  Either there  

is or isn’t —a happy face 

—in the mirror 

looking back at you 

you you 

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Cassandra Whitaker (she/they)  is a trans writer from rural Virginia. Whit's work has been published in Michigan Quarterly Review, Conjunctions, Shenandoah, Lambda Literary Review, and other places. She is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. 'Wolf Devouring A Wolf Devouring A Wolf' was published by Jackleg Press in 2025. 

Follow her on Instagram: @cassstevie