McNair to Hall: November 12, 1980 (2)

McNair-to-Hall-11-12-1980

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November 12, 1980

Dear Don,

Here I am with another of my famous
second thoughts. If you have no violent
objections, I would prefer this version, with
“mini pads”, rather than the other, with “maxi pads.”
A small change, I know, but important
enough to make this the final and definitive
revision.

Thanks.

Love,

Wes

HAIR ON TELEVISION

On the soap opera the doctor
explains to the young woman with cancer
that each day is beautiful.

Hair lifts from their heads
like clouds, like something to eat.

It is the hair of the married couple
getting in touch with their real feelings for the first time
on the talk show,

the hair of young people on the beach
drinking Cokes and falling in love.

And the man who took the laxative and waters his garden
next day with the hose wears the hair

so dark and wavy even his grandchildren are amazed,
and the woman who never dreamed mini pads
could be so convenient wears it.

For the hair is changing people’s lives.
It is growing like wheat above the faces

of game show contestants opening the doors
of new convertibles, of prominent businessmen opening
their hearts to Christ, and it is growing

straight back from the foreheads of vitamin experts,
detergent and dog food experts helping ordinary housewives discover

how to be healthier, get the clothes cleaner and serve
dogs meals they love in the hair.

And over and over on television the housewives,
the news teams bringing all the news faster
and faster, and the new breed of cops winning the fight
against crime, are smiling, pleased to be at their best,

proud to be among the literally millions of Americans everywhere
who have tried the hair, compared the hair and will never go back
to life before the active, the caring, the successful, the incredible hair.