Kennedy Fried Chicken (ROUND 2)
Let's workshop this poem that captures the intricate dance between survival and parenthood within an urban setting as it occurs in the life of a corner drug dealer posted up outside of Kennedys
Kennedy Fried Chicken
The crack slinger, his ex tsking
into her screen, would swear
he is present with his son
in that heartbeat of hoisting him
up to ask if he has been good,
yet his eye ever sweeps
the chaos of hollers and horns—
a pus-lip client, hands busy
in pockets, inching closer.
"Kennedy Fried Chicken" by Michael Anthony Istvan Jr. captures the intricate dance between survival and parenthood within an urban setting. The poem delves into the life of a corner dealer, a figure deeply entrenched in the city’s gritty reality. His attempt to maintain a semblance of normalcy and connection with his child is depicted against the backdrop of his illicit activities. The opening lines introduce us to the dealer, who, despite his circumstances, tries to assure himself of his presence in his child’s life. The mention of "his ex in her phone" suggests a fragmented relationship, emphasizing the isolation that often accompanies such a lifestyle. The act of lifting his child high and inquiring about his behavior is a fleeting attempt at normalcy, a brief moment of connection amidst the chaos.
Istvan’s use of vivid imagery paints a stark picture of the dealer’s world. The constant need for vigilance is highlighted by his sweeping gaze for cops among the "nonstop horns." This vigilance is not just a part of his professional life but also intrudes into his personal moments, creating a tension between his role as a father and his need for survival. The dealer’s eye constantly scanning for threats underscores the persistent danger in his environment, detracting from his ability to fully engage with his child.
The poem’s structure and enjambment emphasize the fragmentation of the dealer’s existence. Lines like "in that window / of lifting him high" illustrate the brief, transient nature of his interactions with his child. These moments are overshadowed by the external pressures that define his life. The presence of a client, "hands in jean pockets, edging closer," serves as a reminder of the inescapable demands of his trade, constantly intruding upon personal interactions.
Istvan’s portrayal of the urban environment is both vivid and oppressive. The "nonstop horns" create a backdrop of constant noise and activity, reflecting the relentless pace of the dealer’s life. This setting amplifies the tension between his desire to be a good father and the realities of his circumstances. The client’s approach, subtle yet inevitable, symbolizes the persistent encroachment of his illicit activities on his personal life.
In "Kennedy Fried Chicken," Istvan masterfully captures the duality of the dealer’s existence. His struggle to balance his illicit livelihood with his parental responsibilities is depicted with sensitivity and depth. The poem highlights the inherent conflict in trying to maintain personal connections while navigating a life fraught with danger and uncertainty. Through its concise yet powerful imagery, the poem offers a poignant reflection on the challenges of parenthood within the context of urban survival, underscoring the dealer’s perpetual state of alertness and the fleeting nature of his moments of connection with his child.
urban survival, fatherhood, corner dealer, illicit activities, parenthood challenges, urban environment, constant vigilance, fleeting moments, personal connection, external pressures, gritty reality, Michael Anthony Istvan Jr., poetry, vivid imagery, urban life, dealer’s dual existence, parental responsibilities, urban setting, tension, survival, parental connection.