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Dating the Hood Nigga  

The first time I met him he gave me that smile. 

You know that smirk every guy gives you when he checks you out. 

It took me four months to figure out that he asked me out in the first week. 

It took me another two months to believe the I love you, 

Three more to say it back.  

 The first kiss was quick, unexpected, unchoregraphed. 

Quite similar to our first time.  

It’s not easy dating the hood nigga, 

See, 

He takes a lingering look as for a challenge. 

A handshake can change into a left hook.  

The hateful words from his father are suppressed. 

Anger cascades off of his skin.  

The gold chain burns the flesh off his neck,  

Just like that nylon, ripping rope that wrapped around my ancestor’s throats. 

It’s not easy dating the hood nigga, 

See, 

The compliment “love yourself” is his equivalent to because my love might not be enough 

When he says “it’s all mine” it’s his equivalent to yes, the stretch marks and love handles included 

“my princess” is his equivalent to I can’t wait to make you my queen 

The “I love you” is the equivalent to I respect you 

The “baby, don’t leave me” is his equivalent to baby, if you leave the demons come back 

The compliment “baby girl, you’re bad” is the equivalent to you won’t take my shit and I admire that 

The compliment “you’re beautiful” is the equivalent to “princess, you’re beautiful.” 

It’s not easy dating the hood nigga, 

See, 

The kisses are longer, sweeter, Hispanic blood fusing  

The hands that roam my body are better rehearsed than any bachata rhythm  

Its intoxicating and there is nothing you can do but relish in it 

But be quick and cautious  

for as the same bold alluring way he came in 

He will sure walk out with 

It’s not easy dating the hood nigga,  

See, 

For he remembers the only thing that can love him are the streets 

And the streets back 

That princess isn’t enough,  

that baby girl isn’t enough, 

That I love you isn’t enough, 

For I wasn’t enough, 

He knows your very in and out  

And he uses those same insecurities to gut you  

It’s not easy dating the hood nigga, 

See, 

But if you can 

Do it. 

For you will love more the woman that comes out of it 

-Amaya Lewis