Grey on Mum
was good, appropriate.
Grandma's salt-and-pepper
was elegant.
But her own grey
was too soon.

Virginia Red
(Easy to apply
at home)
appealed.
and was cheap.

Month on month
she closeted herself
with towels
and a timer
to apply the dye.

Always she waited
until he
was away
and there was privacy
to be found.

Grandma died
after the 82nd application.
Application 83,
was made in a hotel room
just before the funeral

(She chose a lighter
shade of brown
soon after.)

During the eulogy
she heard sniffing
which may have been
sorrow but she feared
was chemicals from her hair.

Mother
Now white haired
moved in at box 123.
It was that
or a care home.

Bathroom privacy
became treasured.
She relished the
anticipation of
Medium auburn,
considered something
rebellious
but played safe.

Mother's last days
were difficult,
demanding,
heartbreakingly
brief.

Just after box
three-hundred and eighteen,
two weeks in hospital
and twenty-five get well cards
Mother slipped off to find Dad.

There was no shade
for this.
She looked at the futility
of glossy curls
and rebelled.

Her bathroom
was now always hers.
There were no more
boxes.
So she embraced silver.

she rejoiced
at her freedom
even when
there were only tears
at this new loss.

"How sadly tragic,"
mourners said, in awe.
"The shock,
has sent her grey
overnight."

02/12/2012

Author's Note:
It only takes 25 years or so to go grey overnight.
(Small edits made to correct typos and amend the flow.)

Posted on 02/12/2012
Copyright © 2024 Paganini Jones