Poems With Lois Letchford: I'm Not Open For Another Hour

28 May 2021 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

1:15

In this YouTube video, Lois Letchford reads an excerpt from Jack Palutski's poem "Gargoyles on the Roof," titled "I'm Not Open For Another Hour." The spoken‑word performance portrays a werewolf barber preparing his tools and assistants for a full‑moon night, describing an elaborate inventory of grooming supplies—shampoos, lotions, gels, bobby pins, combs, razors, ribbons, curlers, shears, and special clippers—intended for clients with wild hair like porcupines, ponytails, and braids. The narrator emphasizes the urgency of the task, repeatedly stating "I'm not open for an hour," before concluding with the typical YouTube call‑to‑action to like, subscribe, and share. The piece blends darkly humorous imagery with rhythmic repetition, showcasing Letchford's expressive delivery and the poem's vivid, fantastical theme.

Chapters

Hello, I'm Lois Letchford. This week reading from Jack Palutski's Gargoyles on the Roof. I'm not open for an hour. I'm not open for an hour. There is much that I must do. I like concocting extra gallons of conditioning shampoo. There are lotions to be blended, gels and mousses to prepare, for my clients are afflicted with All my bobby pins are ready. My barrettes are in a line. I've assembled combs and brushes fit to groom a porcupine. I have honed 100 razors made with heavy-duty blades, chosen ribbons for my patrons who wear ponytails and braids. I am sorting through my curlers. I am sharpening my shears, rearranging special clippers Best for trimming tails and ears. I have hired 6 assistants who don't mind an angry bite. I'm the werewolf's master barber, and the moon is full tonight. Thank you. Hit like, hit subscribe, the bell for notifications, and feel free to share.