Linda Jones Hawkins and Charles Hawkins’ cuddled prayers makes the couple…and “Post Pinnacle,” a poem by Linda Jones Hawkins

I met Linda Jones Hawkins and Charles Hawkins at the 2007 Kwanzaa celebration in St. Louis. Linda showed me her beautiful poems and paintings, while Charles stood by, beaming. They shared their love story with me (Linda speaking):

“And the story goes… She found a handsome King and he found a beautiful queen, while playing in the pool at Bally’s on a cold winter day.

“At first sight their eyes locked and their hearts skipped a beat. Now they are embarking on a new life together as one. Both are favored in God’s army and they are committed to His work and each other. They prayed and waited for the right moment and God provided the perfect
setting and time. Charles’ sweet smile and spirit provided a strong and supportive bridge for Linda’s kind ways and loving heart.

“Soon they were laughing and giggling and enjoying special dates and romantic moments. You can find them splashing in the pool and working out with their instructor, Keith, and many supportive friends.

“People are talking about this starry-eyed twosome that looks like chocolate cherubs on a cake. They have many days to look forward to and are counting on family and friends to share in this joyful moment. Your prayers and well-wishes are welcomed as they begin the New Year
as one!”

Here is Linda’s poem…that says so much.

Post Pinnacle
by Linda Jones Hawkins
© January 2008

I now have love
Tucked sweetly on my pillowslip
It enfolds me
It comforts me
It sustains me
And it delights me,
I arise knowing my journey
Has been stretched a bit more
To accommodate his girth and gentle
Kind of loving.

I now move through and
Navigate through known and unknown
Love tunnels that were once buried
Deep in my soul.
Might I say the moments have been
Sweetened and my days warmed
By the sun and my nights
Encapsulated in cuddled prayers
And staccato kisses.

I now rock in love’s cradle
While his arm pushes me forward to
Grasp the next challenge and life’s
Daily fare.
We meet at the bridge and in ordered steps
Become one in so many ways.
I taste his sweat
He caresses my tears
I cheer his jokes
He buffers my thoughts and conversations
I tie his words in a knot
And together we toddle along to our next
Destination
Invitation and
Now permanent habitation
Settled in each others hearts
And spreading merriment
And good cheer on to
Those who see the twinkle in our
Wrinkles.

Softly
Precisely
Unequivocally
And passionately
I embrace my pillow talk kind of love
I’ decked out in rose petal memories and
I look forward to never ending fireworks
Erupting at my door step.

“It has been one year and one month and we are still counting the days and enjoying our moments. You can find the starry-eyed twosome doing just about anything. Visiting friends, cheering up the sick and laughing and splashing at Bally’s pool. We have been on a fast journey of getting to know and love each other more. We are not always sure of the reason why fate moved us to this place, but we are coasting on the ride. We are devoted to each other and we are hoping that folks see the ‘twinkle in our wrinkles.’ Be blessed, Linda and Charles.”