That spring a special offer of Alberto VO5 came in the mail. A small tube. I didn’t know to not use all of it at once. And so I slathered it on thick and wound small twists of hair into tight little curls held closed with bobby pins. Hoping always for the miracle of curly hair.

When at last I unwound them one by one and labored to drag a brush through it, it stood straight up from my head, four inches or more of gooey waves.

My sister lauhed and said I looked like Little Richard, a resemblance I could not see.

I look at him now, such a pretty man he is after all these years and finally being appreciated for what he is.

1/12/97