Outside the Door
Every morning I unlock my shop.
I flip the lights on. They buzz. It’s not pretty. It’s just what they do.
I stand there for a second before anyone comes in.
It’s quiet. It’s mine.
I didn’t set out to rebuild my life.
I just opened a barbershop.
I showed up. Same time. Same chair. Same broom.
There were a lot of times in my life I didn’t feel included.
Doors closed. Conversations happened without me. Decisions got made.
I used to think that meant something about me.
Now I know it doesn’t.
This door opens because I open it.
That matters.