Haircuts & Tacos

Haircuts & Tacos
by Paul J. Willis

That’s what the sign says
on the storefront in Bullhead City
along the steaming Colorado.

Which would you want first?
Either way, you’ll be tasting
split ends in your refried beans.

But think about the time saved,
about all the things we might
combine: Gas & Perm,

Laundromat & Five-Stud Poker
(Hold ’em & Fold ’em),
Freshman Comp & Foot Massage.

Efficiency. Eclecticism.
These are the signs of democracy,
the little engines that make us

mix our metaphors. Free Wi-Fi
While U Wait in the green room,
the jury box, the wedding chapel.

—from Getting to Gardisky Lake