The Other:  I enjoyed your presentation

Moi:  Why, thank you kindly.  I rather enjoyed presenting it.

The Other:  I have a question that I would like to ask, if you have the time.

Moi:  (smiles and gestures)...proceed

The Other:  At what point in your life, did you realize that you were not meant for 'the societally-regulated'? (make air quotes with fingers)

Moi:  Oh, that's an easy one.  It was right around the time that I understood what 'societal' truly meant.  According to society, the fact that my hair is some 'odd' orang-ish color, I'm not suitable for the business world....and the truth of the matter, is that I can out negotiate some of the great ivy leaguers of our day.  According to society, a woman with a tongue ring is a whore...and the truth of the matter is that I have been crazy, stupid in L O V E with the same entity for over 7 years.  Oh, and my personal favorite...according to society, all queer women look the same/think the same and the truth of the matter is...well, look around.  Not one of us, is even remotely identical to the other. I gave up on society right around the same time that they gave up on me.  At the exact moment, that society told me that all that I am was unacceptable....it was at that moment, that I told them to fuck off. (smiles).


At the end of our conversation, The other and I walked and rapped until nightfall.  An exchange of confessions and revelations; hopes and regrets.  We parted ways a little lighter of heart but far heavier of mind.

Oddly enough, my best conversations are with those whom I am meeting for the first and sometimes, only time.

Labels: conversations amongst strangers, memoirs, wordplay