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Maria on the Wings of Time

by

By Ernie McCray

Maria at 70Prologue:  I’ve had so many of what one might call moments in my life. Come from behind victories on playing courts and fields. Ovations on stage. Rich surprises. This list goes on and on. And now I find myself in a wonderful moment in time, enjoying a relationship with an incredible woman when, at one time, such a reality seemed unlikely for me. This is a poem I wrote for her 70th birthday party. Hey, I have a 70 year old foxy squeeze! How cool is that?

Feeling my way around
in a new place in life.
Had been to some dark places
had lost a wife,
my soul-mate, my queen,
in a haze, wondering and wandering,
how to move on to other things.
Looking at the world with tears in my eyes.
Breathing out.
Breathing in.
And there was fluttering
and in came
Maria on the wings of time.
Maria on the wings of time.

She, too, stood in sadness
on soft and shaky ground,
so much pain etched in her face.
Gone was her man,
her lover, her king,
leaving her to ponder, in her suffering,
how to make her heart sing again.
Looking at the world, like me, through blinding tears.
Breathing out.
Breathing in.
And there was fluttering
and she came to me.
Maria on the wings of time.
Maria on the wings of time.

It’s been a long journey.
So many paths taken.
Lives lived, promises made.
Lovers adored with passion,
life like sweet dreams.
How could such bliss ever cease to exist?
But our loves drifted away
on very sad days.
And we knew not what to look for in our lives anymore,
just breathing out
and breathing in
neither of us knowing
that we were true
lovers waiting for each other in the dark,
that lovers of the world
are never far apart.
Lovers of the world
are never far apart.
Oh, I learned such things
when I heard a fluttering
and she came to me.
Maria on the wings of time.
Maria on the wings of time.

I was looking blindly,
leaning against frenzied torrential winds,
trying to recall the familiar places I’d been,
my world so dizzying.
Breathing out.
Breathing in.
And there was fluttering
and she came to me,
in all her loveliness
in this needy time in our lives,
awakening my heart and soul
with a love so divine.
Once again I can enjoy a love that is mine.
Maria on the wings of time.
Maria on the wings of time.

Ernie McCray

Ernie McCray

I was raised in a loving and alive home, in a black neighborhood filled with colorful characters in Tucson, Arizona. Such an environment gave me a hint that life has to be grabbed by the tail as tight as a pimple on a mosquito's butt. With no BS and a whole lot of love. So, from those days to now I get up every morning set on making the world a better place. On my good foot*, and I hope my writing reflects that. *an old black expression

Comments

  1. Beautiful, Ernie. Still gives me hope. You nailed the feelings, anxieties, and uncertainties and still was able to float on top. Maria – and you – are two lucky people.

  2. Ernie- I’ve seen you and Maria stand side by side, quietly breathing in and out together. Those moments look so natural and comfortable. And beautiful. Felicidades!

  4. Beautiful sentiments beautifully expressed; thanks for a day-brightner.
    BTW, I have an EIGHTY year-old (81, actually :-) sexy squeeze, so I’m right there with ya!!

  5. Wonderful, Wonderful, O so Wonderful when two spirits find each other at any age.
    Just what is needed, more love and togetherness in the world.
    Many happy days to you both in love!
    Dorinda

  6. Seeing you both at the rally for Trayvon, protesting a death that should never have happened, it was clear that you two most definitely should have happened…

  7. Beautiful words, beautiful family and two beautiful people. Blessing to you.
    Lynda

  8. You are both so lucky to have found each other. It is hard to find two true loves in one lifetime.

  9. Wonderful, Ernie! I too got lucky in my later years. I’m 77 and he’s 75. We are so blessed to have each other too! All the best to you and Maria!

  10. Absolutely soulful poem Ernie…I’m so glad you found each other. Love is a beautiful thing!!

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