Telogen Effluvium

The poem "Telogen Effluvium" by William Brewer, published in the Sewanee Review, reflects on a personal experience with hair loss and a visit to a dermatologist. The narrator recounts the doctor's inquiries about potential stressors that could have triggered the hair shedding, ultimately concluding that the shedding had ceased. The narrative then shifts to a contemplative exploration of the narrator's body, past exposures, and potential future health concerns, symbolized by a biopsy for melanoma. The poem juxtaposes these medical reflections with a visit to an artist's home, drawing parallels between the artist's careful observation of light and the narrator's introspection on health and time.