Here’s the horse – what happened to the prince?
-- Mother Love, “Listen Up, Girlfriends”

A long time ago, most of us – at least the ladies – heard about the tales of the knight who would ride in on his white horse to rescue us from the evil queen, place a jeweled crown on our head, then lead us into happily ever after. Sometimes we heard that tall, dark, and handsome would come along and sweep us off our feet giving us the world in return for simple affection. A few of us were told that after we kissed a few frogs a prince would surely appear and be forever indebted to us for helping to restore his true greatness.

Well, somebody lied ‘cause it’s a whole bunch of us just sitt’n on the curb, wait’n. And most of us been doused so badly in frog juice that even if tall, dark, and handsome did show up, he wouldn’t stay long ‘cause of the stench stuck to us. Even the evil queen left us alone!

What in the hell happened?! We fell hook, line, and sinker for the Cinderella and Snow White dreams, didn’t we? We really thought our private dick, oops, detective Shaft was going to show up in his ‘71 Plymouth Satellite Sebring and whisk us off to wherever our hearts desired.

Now, that’s not to say that some of us didn’t find our prince charming. As a matter of fact, quite a few of us reading this “Thought...” have sought and found a few jewels and those of us still holding out hope applaud you in your feat and want to know where we need to go to get our treasure.

Oh, and brothers, don’t think you are exempt from the tales. Somebody – that same somebody who sold us ladies on the fairy tales – told you that the love of your life would be less than 130 pounds, have long flowing hair, and should defer to your demands and requests. You got jacked, too!

Okay, so what’s real? Listen up, girlfriends – your man may ride in on a horse and provide the things your heart needs and desires. What if his horse comes from his farm? At least you know he’s relatively self-sufficient – he can grow and raise his own food.

And brothers, listen up – what if she weighs more than you do, has hair shorter than yours, and walks to the beat of her own drum but makes you feel like you always knew you could feel about love and life? Would she be your queen?

Get real, let go of the fantasies ‘cause they keep tripping you up. Pay attention to the guy down the street who may not have a corporate job and may not exercise the social graces or sophistication you think he should. He has a heart of gold and treasures every breath you take. So what if you can’t carry her across the threshold without losing your balance. It’s a guarantee you’ve got someone to stand up with you when times get tough. Perhaps once you’ve let go of the fairy stories you may find that you have standing next to you your noble knight or beloved queen.

Sadiqqa © 2007