A man with long and rotting beard, to rouse

from slumber idle hands, loudly announced

his presence. “Trim this ghastly beard! With vows

upheld, my woman will stay as pronounced.”

With drowsy scornful eyes, they reached for knives

and combs and scissors. Groaning in dismay

as they prepared to work, they pitied wives.

Perhaps with this, his spouse would not betray

but cherish him instead. But difficult

was task at hand, and labor though they might,

took seven days and nights to see results.

The man, asleep, remained an ugly sight.

They gave the man a plant from ocean’s floor,

to cleanse the blue and crimson stains of gore.