MUGGING

I walk unafraid because
I am large
by frame and nourishment.
I walked to the store in White Center,
also known as “Rat Center”.

From behind,
A large arm clinched my throat,
threw me to the ground
and choked me.

A small gentleman kicked me
and ferreted through my pockets.
As they scurried away,
the small gentleman said,
“He ain’t got shit.”

Later, calm, I reflected
I had a family, a brain and hope.
But in White Center, Washington,
it is considered unwise
to walk alone to the store,
at 3 A.M. in the morning,
drunk.

So, perhaps
the small gentleman
had a point.