Just Like Jackie Battle

Oakland, California ... and a party is raging. People dancing, drumming, carousing, drinking, smoking. Good vibes on this warm, breezy night. And I see this attractive girl, with a big fro, grooving to the live music, speaking to no-one, and I say,

"Hey, you remind me of Jackie Battle!"

"Whoa ..." she goes, and walks away. Jackie Battle was the one who went with Miles Davis to Jimmy Hendrix's funeral, when he died back in the 70's. She was a strong, courageous woman, politically active, and very smart. About an hour goes by, and she comes up to me (now I'm in a different room), and says,

"Hey, thanks for the compliment," as she passes her hand behind me, in a way that was rather friendly.
"Yeah," I say, "it's a beautiful night ..." (meaning her)

There's a pause, as we both just soak up the vibe. "Yeah," she says, "no bombs are falling on my head tonight." That just knocked me out. Truth, exposed.

Posted by calico at May 15, 2003 01:47 AM

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