Small talk has never been so difficult

You wish you’d got round

to finding a regular hairdresser

someone friendly who runs their own small salon

who you would be happy to tip at Christmas.

They’d already have heard the news

so as soon as you made the appointment

they’d know exactly what to say

but instead you sit anonymously

with your hair being towel dried

by a probably perfectly nice girl

who is asking if this is your day off.