She stood on the corner of Fort Street & Junction, walking at a snails pace. She liked her tongue out as passer's by passed her by hardly paying her any attention. Every once in a while she would make sexual gestures at truckers who she expected to stop and negotiate with her as they have on previous occasions. She is a prostitute. Her face is that of most horror movie zombies yet through it all you can still see how she was once a beautiful woman. Her clothes were raged unlike that of the prostitutes on the 60's and 70's who I dare say had some form of class about themselves. I had to keep in mind that she was no ordinary prostitute but what is commonly known in Detroit as "crack whores". Her sexual prowl wasn't that of survival but one to allow her another hit of a deadly and poisonous drug that has ravaged communities across the world. How did this come to be?
Yes, she was beautiful before. I can see it in her eyes. Pass the crust of an unwashed face and teeth all but gone. Maybe her downfall was a decision she made at a party 20 odd years ago. Maybe she was tricked by someone she loved. Whatever the case may be she made the decision to live in a self imposed hell for the rest of her life. She's lost and turned out. I'm sure she has children and maybe even a husband. This is a reality be it a devastating one. No pimps involved in this scene, just mutual respect from other street walkers as far as territory is concerned whatever that means. First come first serve. Yet as with most Mothers even among chaos there is order.
Can these Mothers, daughters and sisters be rescued? Can I accept the saying "prostitution is the worlds oldest profession"? It eats at the core of my soul, I see these women daily. As I was told by a coworker, one of the ladies was a very influential teacher who lost her job, then her sanity and finally her soul. A elder I used to work with tells me of one sister on Fenkell avenue who was a popular beauty when they where in high school but she was a party girl. Now she "patrols" the streets looking for anybody who can support her habit.
These women can easily be someone in our families. Though they are our collective mothers and sisters, they have fallen by the wayside of claiming their glory. Can it be restored? Who has the time and patience to deal with this disease in our community? Some of them are so obviously affected by AIDS/HIV it turns my stomach to look at them. I believe my compassion for humanity allows me to feel a certain way for people who make poor decisions in their lives. It also reminds me that I have two daughters who are often reminded and reaffirmed of their beauty and self worth as well as their role in the world. We as men must recognize the role we play in the devastation in the lives of our women. We can't continue to assist and play roles in their demise and disrespect. We must begin the process of healing.
Ase' O!
