herlucidlife

Sitting in the Whataburger drive-thru line at one thirty in the morning. Waiting for the line to move, moments away from getting the “food” I paid for. Head leaned back on the headrest as the melody of smooth jazz tickled the inner working of my eardrums. My mind drifted to a simpler yet harsher time. 

Imagine it’s nineteen fifty-six in the deep South of Mississippi. The cool humid summer breeze caresses my skin, sweeping past my inner thighs as we make our way inside the jook joint. Laughing with my girl friends, feeling cute and all too sexy. Ready for a night of dancing till we sweat. The energy was high, the women were gorgeous and the men were intoxicating. Escaping the way of life for a moment. Nothing else existed but the music and the swaying of my body. 

Electricity coursing through my veins. The tunes took my mind and body to another place in time. Hands above my head, eyes closed, grooving to the melody. Nothing felt more freeing in that moment than feeling my body react to the music in my ears. Focused on nothing but the rhythm. I felt a presence come up behind me. A gentle tap on my shoulder brought me back to earth, into the reality of a beautiful chocolate man standing before me. 

Skin deeper than the ocean, smoother than dark chocolate. Smile sweeter than the milky way, standing six-foot four inches. Leaning forward just a little bit to meet my gaze. Body strong from working construction, home ground nothing fake about his demeanor. He was beautiful. Smiling back at him, his gaze transfixed on my face. His voice was like silk, uttering the words “what’s your name?” My mind could barely make out what he said over the music, stepping further into his space. Extending my hand, he leaned closer to hear my response, “my name is Naje, what is your name?” 

Taking my hand in his, strong yet gentle, replying “My name is Bobby Johnson, may I have this dance?” No words, just an electric energy between strangers. Space and time could not capture the way he felt in my orbit. The music slowed, the air thick with an excitement that made the body feel urges that can only be explained as animalistic. Fixed on each other, eyes low from the tension between. Extending his hand, sliding my hand into his. Strong arms pulling me close, held tightly against his body. My arms draped over his broad shoulders, he smelled of cologne and saw dust. Exhaling, relaxing my body, fitting together like a glove.

Swaying back and forth to the sweet sounds, taking our bodies to another dimension. Everyone seemed to fade into the background, just us two. The moment could have lasted an eternity and neither would have complained. The time came for the night to end. Pulling away, face to face. Something had changed during our dance, we were no longer strangers but lovers on a journey to something more. Walking out together, wondering if I’ll see him again, he asked, “may I see you again sometime?” My heart leapt, face stretched in gladness. Giving him my address to pick me up sometime. 

Snapping back to reality, approaching the drive-thru window at Whataburger, rolling my window down to retrieve my purchase. Riding back to the apartment, thinking what a wonderful daydream.