Retro Portrait: Local Style

Myriad combs afloat
in blue mystery liquid,
patiently awaiting
respective parts.
Each man's electric clippers,
called to service
toward mastery
of desired style.
A world of whirling scissors,
friendly banter and repartee
on sports and current events.
Donning of protective cape.
Placement of hot towel
softening beard prior to
familiar sound of strop and razor,
hot lather of cream applied,
then swift straight-edged strokes
clearing stubble to
smoothest of surfaces.
Those pleasant few pumps
of elevated swivel chair,
ambient snip and buzz,
as one between customers
pushed broom to clear
jungle of recent clippings.
The sweet smelling powders
that dressed a clean neck,
the touch that silently
conveyed, "We're done."
The brilliantine shine
of well-groomed
tonsorial splendor.
Mirror held to mirror
to show off straightness
of back of neck, feeling
clean and attractive,
well-attended to,
then settling up tab
and heading out
past swirling stripes,
the red white and blue
of ubiquitous barber's pole,
now retired to memory,
another art lost to
negligence of time.