I do not mind at all!

At dawn I sighed to see my hairs fall; 

At dusk I sighed to see my hairs fall. 

For I dreaded the time when the last lock should go. 

They are all gone and I do not mind at all! 

I have done with that cumbrous washing and getting dry; 

My tiresome comb for ever is laid aside. 

Best of all, when the weather is hot and wet, 

To have no top-knot weighing down on one's head! 

I put aside my messy cloth wrap; 

I have got rid of my dusty tasseled fringe. 

In a silver jar I have stored a cold stream, 

On my bald pate I trickle a ladle-full. 

Like one baptized with the Water of Buddha's Law, 

I sit and receive this cool, cleansing joy. 

Now I know why the priest who seeks Repose 

Frees his heart by first shaving his head. 

 

[Bai Juyi {772-846} ‘On his Baldness’ {trans. by Arthur Waley}, from Zen Poems {Everyman’s Library Pocket Poets}]