The Nigger in the Alley (made me think of Street Coffee)
The Nigger in the Alley
(made me think of Street Coffee)
“Give us your car keys, nigger!”
3 Jamaicans loudly at whitey in our alley.
Armed robbery took his wallet.
But thankfully, he’s home now safely.
It made me think of you at Street Coffee.
Back from Paris hung my bag off my seat
And I was starting in on a salad to eat.
When you whipped up fast and all in a frenzy:
Grabbing my bag, and cursed me, meanly.
It happened with us at Street Coffee.
“Don’t do that, you muppet!” he shouted.
What a weirdo! What’s he on about?
He explained: bag thieves in operation.
Sigh, yes, he did just offer me protection.
And I smiled when I hit up the vegan.
Seeing the sign: bag thieves in operation.
If I was ever robbed by 3 Jamaicans
Could I call you over there in New Zealand?
It was the first/last time we met at Street Coffee.
Whatever happened to your Nigerian?
Did she know with whom you lied and were laying?
I was armed: had you wrapped with my wirey frame.
And you robbed me blind, without saying my name.
Driving us wild while the city lights
Stole a hearth frame to alight
On a box of Brittany cookies I’d leave behind.
He took it all. I took my flight.
Sylvie Hill 2016
