A Day of Errands

January 6, 2015

So, the buster of brilliance that is my baby brother Jamaal, is departing as I type. So, I'm hanging with the next best thing, daddy. Want a snapshot. Here it go.

At the grocery store, I pick up a small basket for his items. He snatches the basket from me.

Me: Daddy!

Him: What the hell kinda man I look like with you carrying everything next to me? You got ya purse. That's enough. 

Me: You sho’ right. 

[A sister approaches with daisy dukes on, cheeks out, and huge back of the thigh tattoos] 

Daddy: If she has to dress like that to be seen, she needs to stay at home. And it's cold out. 

Me: [shaking my head] I know Daddy. 

Daddy: Sometimes it's better to be blind when you walk outside. 

Me: I know. It's hard to witness the condition of our people. 

Him: Our people? She ain't none of mine, and none of mine bet not be caught dead like that. 

Me: I got you Daddy, but she is ours. We all we got. 

Him: Shiiiiiii...

Me: [laughing out loud]

[Next stop, the barber shop]

Mr. Lloyd the Barber (appr. 47yrs old): I have to ask. Did you cut your hair on purpose, I mean cause you wanted to?

Me: Yes sir. 

Mr. Lloyd: Wow. How long has it been?

Me: 12yrs. 

Mr. Lloyd: It looks amazing on you. Powerful. 

Me: Thank you. My daddy doesn't like it. 

Mr. Lloyd: I imagine not. He's from the ole school. 

Me: He doesn't think I'll get married like this. 

Mr. Lloyd: Yeah that's ole school talking. Mr. Willie men like that now. If I was younger I'd court her. 

Daddy: Say that when you done wit my cut. 

Mr. Lloyd: [laughing] I'm just saying. That's a bold move. It's like she's saying, "Get to know me, not my hair.”

I've never articulated it as such, but Mr. Lloyd hit the nail on the head. Sitting at the footsteps of our elders is a tradition on the verge of extinction. Bow down and hit the deck!