Free haircut redux

Sometimes, no often, the holy is found in such exchanges. This was the real thing.

This was the real thing.

No dream with lines of past clergy friends

Waiting for their free haircut.

No.

Only me

On a very real, chilly day

Taking my wallet out to pay

No.

Clergy are free,

She says.

That’s not necessary

I say.

No,

She says,

Clergy are free.

Thank you,

I say.

I tip her.

That’s not necessary,

She says.

Yes it is,

I say.

Thank you,

She says.

Don’t wait so long

To get your hair cut

Next time.