THE PERM

THE PERM

The salon was very busy
As I waited for my turn
Skimming through a magazine
Looking for a perm;
I had just moved to town
And didn't know everyone
Heard about this salon
From my girlfriend's son.

I sat down in the shampoo chair
A scalp massage felt great
Thinking about last night
It was our second date;
Dan said he had to travel
To PEI tonight
But he'd call me tomorrow
If that would be alright.

The perm was rolled up tight
And I sat alone to wait
The lady close beside me
Said "Hi, my name is Kate";
We smiled and made small talk
She was getting a perm too
I asked if she'd lived here long
And "What is it you do?"

She said she was a teacher
Just taught Sunday School
Her husband was a trucker
I said that was cool;
"My boyfriend is one too"
She nodded and we talked
It was my turn to be washed
And I got up to walk.

I overheard her later on
Saying she was glad
She didn't have to cook supper
For just herself and lad;
"Danny's gone to PEI
With a load of fish
When he returns tomorrow
He'll get his only wish."

My ears were really burning
As she talked about her man
"My cancer's in remission
I can't wait to tell my Dan!"
When she took out her wallet
I saw his picture there
She was close beside him
When she had no hair.

The ladies at the salon
All hugged her as she left
Happy she was cancer-free
Then I left by myself;
I saw the writing on the wall
I saw a family man
I changed the message on my machine
Meant for only Dan.

"Thanks for calling me tonight
But I'm no longer home
My fiancee has returned and now
We're moving back to Rome;"
I thought about Dan's cheating
Guess he'd had more than me
I asked for God's forgiveness
Prayed she'd stay cancer-free.

The phone rang off the hook
I knew that it was him
He never left a message
Didn't hear from him again;
I changed salons and never heard
When she had passed away
But read it in the paper
On my wedding day.