the hummingbird population on this campus is somewhat astonishing. i am constantly having to tell them that my head is not a flower. no, i say, my ear is not for pollinating, shoo.
hair can have a smell. a smell of warmth and sun. i love to press my face into the cat’s side after she has been in the sun and inhale it. just now i was outside sitting with my hair in a ponytail and before re-entering the building i pulled out the rubber-band, causing my hair to tumble down around my face and the same smell tinged with flowery shampoo hit me. mmm, i said, i love that smell.
i want to be a hummingbird, lying in wait to sniff people’s hair. i want to lay in the grass with someone waiting for the warmth to infuse their hair and kiss the slightly salty curve of their neck. i want to always have that smell.