They tried to tone little girls' curls

their rough hands twirl

flat iron combs

from fiery stoves

Need curls to lay down smooth and straight

so featherweight

for straight is good

and understood

But curly girls have now reclaimed

their native manes

freeing themselves

combs now on shelves

A/N: written 9/21/15 for Writer's Digest Poetic Asides Blog Minute Poem challenge