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The Unshaven
October 1, 2026
Regarding the unshaven chin –
it’s not a statement
but nor is it laziness.
It just seems to go with the idea of a guy
these days.
Smooth most places
but a little roughage
right there where you rest your head.
TV, the movies, confirm it.
A leading man, even in his own small world,
must not be perfect.
Because, after perfection,
where is there to go?
Maybe to the grocery store
for bagels and coffee,
pushing a cart with one bad wheel.
Or to my mother’s house
so she can complain about
how scruffy I look.
I’m thinking the grocery store
would be a smarter choice.
At least the bagels won't explain
what real men used to do,
and the coffee will be up-to-date
on what's the latest look for guys.
Besides, a little stubble
has never judged anybody.
Maybe prickle a little
but you've never complained.
Editor: Michelle Newman
About the Poet
John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident, recently published in Midnight Mind, Willow Review and the Pennsylvania Literary Journal. Latest books, “Bittersweet”, “Subject Matters” and “Between Two Fires” are available through Amazon. Work upcoming in the MacGuffin, the Bayou Review and Plainsongs.
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