The Security of a Dangerous Man
Featured in Coming Out of the Dark, written by Alethea Jimison
Some women seek danger when hopelessness is all they’ve ever known. Being a single mother without education makes a woman a mark in the ghetto.
Prince Charming does not exist in a world of poverty.
Instead of a Ferrari and Richard Gere coming to save the day,
we get the Candy Man in a black shiny Cadillac with tinted windows,
golden rims, and peacock feathers on his back.
He was shiny with his flashing eyes and dangerous smile.
His confidence came from fast cars and fast cash.
He could have any pigeon on the block when he flashed that cocky smile behind his mustache.
She was a demure mark – a prize for him to win.
He treated her like a lady at first and promised her security.
She had so many mouths to feed that she pretended to believe that he was an ideal opportunity.
She turned her eyes away from the strangers coming over at all hours in the night.
The shady deals taking place in his living room were not a threat as long as she could believe that he was just a businessman then everything was alright.
The kids were fed and he felt safe… as long as he was sober.
A dangerous man seems exciting at first. He’s decisive and knows how to command the space.
He seems powerful as he makes decisions and puts everything and everyone in place.
One thing to remember is that he will take everything you have
until he is the only thing you have left to need.
He packed us up and persuaded her to move 3,000 miles away from home
to live the American Dream.
