I’ll Smile When What I Wear Doesn’t Invite The Hands of Others
By: Jacqueline Roberts –Kpan
Friday nights are supposed to be fun right?
It’s my third year at school
And I’ve learns all the ins and outs.
“You’ll have a good time,” they said.
Slick your hair back nice and tight,
The dress that hugs every curve and doesn’t let go, that’ll be cool
Oh and don’t forget some nice makeup, that’s what its all about.
Off we went to the city, I followed, they led.
My roommates were good for picking places that didn’t bite,
I was looking good, I was confident, this night was going to be cool
Well at least I hoped, and everything seemed better with the music and shouts
What else were clubs for? I forgot how bad I wanted to stay in bed.
The vibe was good, the music loud, smiles and laughs shine without lights,
We were young and care-free everything was cool.
I knew they’d been drinking but no one kept count,
I didn’t drink that much I had my eye on something else instead.
A night without some misogynistic creep thinking its ok to grab a feel, yeah right.
It seemed like that’s what every guy nowadays thought was cool,
To see a pretty young thing and cop a feel and bounce
Like everything was good, but now they’ll get what’s coming for them instead.
The night continued without interruption or the usual fights,
My hair was still slick with hints of smoke sitting in it, makeup didn’t run that was cool
The girls were half sober and ready to bounce
One night of fun, check. No worries, relief instead.
As we walked up Washington Blvd, I could feel something that wasn’t right.
That feeling you get when all you hear is the mixture of your heartbeat and fast paced steps,
Underneath the pissy (stale yellow) street light was someone cockily leaning against the pole awaiting his prey
And then I knew everything was too good to be true.
“Just keep walking,” I told the girls as we approached the light,
“Can I speak to you for a minute?” he said as we kept
Ignoring his presence which only made him persistent
“Your ass is beautiful in that dress.”
I felt a tug as we crossed under the street light,
And as I turned around all I could see was his unkempt
Beard that swallowed his face, dark hallow eyes that starred consistently
Into mine, and I hauled ass and slapped him. My hand beating red I walked away and said, “My outfit is not an invitation.”