Bojangles

Recently, I found the voice of Nina Simone and more specifically I found her rendition of the old Jerry Jeff Walker song, Mr. Bojangles. Her sweet sad melodious voice reminds how fortunate my life is.
I forget this from time to time even as I pass the beggars who sit outside the the stores where I shop.
Even though, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end when they approach me.
I know if ever I was stuck in a cell with Mr. Bojangles, I would be to terrified of him.
Terrified of not just of him but also of what he represents.
I could not see him in the way that Jerry Jeff has and certainly not in the way that Nina Simone interprets him – a sweet, sad, melodious man to which life has offered up more than he can handle.
I don’t know what I fear.
It could be that he has rejected all the social norms of food and shelter.
It could be that I am afraid that he has been a victim and that he might in turn victimize me.
But I think, what really scares me is the fear that at any moment status can be lost and I am irrationally afraid that his lack of status may very well be contagious.
I am afraid it may be my turn next.
Yes, I think what I most fear, is that, I am only so lucky – and so safe – and that indeed I am to be the next Bojangles.