Black Women & Asparagus...Where y'all at?
Back in the day when a slice of pizza was a $1 and Spiderman comic books provided me with just enough escape to refrain from experimenting with drugs, sex, or selling crack like the rest of the hood, I used to think that if I ever ran into a Sista reading comics in the comic book store on Telegraph Avenue, then that would be “The One”
A closet full of Spiderman titles later, I can’t say that ever happened and a slice of pizza now cost $2.99…Nevertheless, I’ve kept hope alive. Even though I don’t (avidly) read The Amazing Spiderman anymore, I do admit that I maintain the same optimism to encounter an equally beautiful woman in the produce section—more specifically sorting through the asparagus.
Today, I think I came as close as I ever will to doing that…
While I was doing my usual sorting and sensing for the right frequency from the right bunch of asparagus, I could tell that the woman directly to my right was being very observant and making it impossible for me to pretend to ignore her. I turned to acknowledge the 60-something-year-old White lady and she smiled, “You look more out of it than me.”
I laughed. I don’t really know why but the moment was hilarious. I replied, “Yeah, I’m always concerned with the price of Asparagus.”
“I see,” she laughed and we both laughed a bit more and then we went our separate ways.
When my smile subsided I reflected on the past moment and all the optimism I had attached to Asparagus bin. I mean, it’s been about 10 years since I’ve been waiting for something magical to occur within the aura of the asparagus in the produce section of my local grocery market. And I think this was the first woman, or even person, to ever speak to me in a friendly fashion while searching through the asparagus. Needless to say—but I will—she wasn’t my type.
Still, I will forever enjoy the vibe and consumption of good asparagus, but I think it’s time to let go of the silly notion that I will meet “Ms Perfect” hovering over asparagus in the produce section. Plus, change is good, right?
So like my comic book addiction, I’m drawing the line. No more wife hunting within the vicinity of asparagus. I mean, I will still eat asparagus. But I hope to encounter her elsewhere: Squash. Zucchini or Butternut? I wonder....
Hillarious! I love the produce section & just ate asparagus yesterday! Maybe one day I'll bump into you at the mango section across from the fresh veges. You are such a gentleman.
Posted by: meli | Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 04:22 PM
Oh asparagus how I love thee. Have you noticed it makes your pee smell awful?
Well keep hunting Ken, and good luck to you!
Posted by: satisfiedsistah | Thursday, January 26, 2006 at 07:41 AM
Some black women eat asparagus and have comic book collections. I know this because I am one of them. Keep on lookin'. We are out there.
Posted by: Jai | Saturday, February 04, 2006 at 05:39 PM