A whim

I want to grow my hair
long and wild
and thick as a horse's mane.

Thick and shiny and
chestnut brown;
the color it was in my youth.

Today it is short
and falsely covers grey and white strands
with chocolate and champagne highlights.

But I fear that if I let it grow
the thinness on my scalp will show
and the myraid colors infused with natural

Will cause strangers
who look at my long, luxurious hair in the back then
when I turn around

Be shocked and appalled
at such an old, wrinkly-faced woman
with such young hair behind.

They would surely scream in shock.