Kickass and a haircut

Kickass, the doorstop dog, while not having hair of his own, tries to identify with the keeper’s growing preoccupation with hair that is growing down over his—the keeper’s ears and collar.  While hair salons and barbershops have reopened after coronavirus closings, the keeper has not visited one of them, and wonders if it is not the time in his life for a ponytail.

The hair situation generates memories of the hair wars that were a part of life back in the nascent hippy days, when long hair was viewed by the parents of high school age boys as undeniable signs that they—the boys, were headed for drug-induced ruination.  The keeper, being one of those parents, finds it painful to remember his you-will-get-a-haircut-or-else stand over his teenage sons, one of whom (Rick) said parents were “fascists” and had no right to dictate hair length.

While recently enjoying the grilling skill of Johnny Johnson, who identifies as an “old hippy,” and has long hair to prove it, the keeper thought of his bald father and brother and realized how fortunate he was to have any hair at all.  He may follow Johnny’s example and let it grow, after consulting with Phyllis, of course.

Just what a man does with his hair is a personal thing and reflects the image he wants to present.  There is this verity, however: not even the most extravagant– even absurd comb-over can camouflage serious character flaws.