"Dorothy loved Bennie" This is the first line of my poem "Dorothy's Loves", found in my poetry book, Sensual Sounds. Dorothy and Bennie Eanes were my parents. Long before love among African-Americans became the subject of various blogs, talks shows, articles, etc., I witnessed it firsthand for 25 years.
My parents were my first role models of what family, love and respect were within a family structure. Mom and Dad married after a whirlwind, four-month courtship. She was 24 and he 21. I was born the following year. Three sons were born in 11 years.
Everyone who knew my parents always remember little things, like rarely seeing one without the other. Or how my mother was more outgoing, while Dad was more reserved. But there was never a question of how much they loved and supported each other. Mom graduated from college in six years after giving birth to two babies along the way. Dad realized his dream of owning real estate. Both stressed their accomplishments were family achievements. So much more fills my heart as I write this. Like Dad reading bedtime stories or Mom's love of cooking. They weren't perfect. But seeing love and marriage in its many forms is a gift I'll forever cherish.
October 28 is my parents' wedding anniversary. How I long to send a card, take them to dinner or spend the day with them. But Dad was 45 and Mom 51 when death united the newlyweds. Being part of the inspiration for Sensual Sounds is a part of the legacy I have from Bennie and Dorothy. So I'll light a candle, say a prayer and thank God for my memories.
Sensual Sounds is available on http://barnesandnoble.com and http://www.amazon.com.
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