the court date

for his court date
he decides to cut off his pony
tail
and comb whatever hair
remains
to the side.
parting it like a five
year old boy
standing in front
of the mirror before school,
his mother's large
hand holding his head still
for the task. he shaves then
buttons up a clean white shirt.
new pants.
steps into
the slippery new shoes.
perhaps this will persuade
the judge of his
innocence, or desire to turn
over a new leaf
and stop
the things he keeps doing.