Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer 
Giftion Wray stands beside proud mother, Ava Palmer, who displays some of his awards. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer
Giftion 'Tashawn' Wray has an irrepressible passion for bat and ball. But the young cricketer isn't merely playing games - he's using his talent to mentor schoolchildren.
A former member of the national Under-19 team and a member of the St Ann cricket outfit, Wray has been volunteering at his alma mater, Walkers Wood All-Age School.
On specific days, he assists students in honing their cricketing skills, along with the school's coach. According to the pace bowler and batsman, passing on sport techniques is as important as learning them.
Willing to help
"I help them to learn the basics because it really doesn't make sense that I have the knowledge and skills and keep them secret. If I can help, I will," he told The Gleaner.
It was at this very school that Wray sharpened his technique before moving onto Vere Technical Highg where he joined the school's cricket team.
"I used to play cricket for my school and that was when I started my stint on the Under-19 team," he said. "At Vere, I got the Best Player award for my performance."
In his Lime Gate community in Walkerswood, he is viewed as a cricket genius. His mother, Ava Palmer, said she was one of the few who paid little attention to his talent when the signs were glaring. In fact, she believed the sport was simply a family pastime.
Bigger ambitions
"In the evenings when I would come home and not have anything to do, I would just join in with him and play cricket," she told The Gleaner. "I didn't know he would reach this far. I just thought it was purely fun."
The former backyard batsman now has his sights set on bigger ambitions, like a call-up to the senior team in the future.
"My experience on the Under-19 team was very good. I learnt a lot and I met and spoke to cricketers like Brian Lara," he said.
In August, the 19-year-old (he was 18 when he qualified for the Under-19s) will leave the island for United States city Orlando for cricket duties.
"I was invited to play cricket there in the summer after being invited by the Central Florida Cricket Association. I am really looking forward to this," he said.
Till then, he gives self and time to other budding cricketers. To those students, he is a star and role model. But Wray sees himself as just a lanky lad with the weighty responsibility of shaking up his little side of Jamaica.
latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090624/news/news2.html
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Drake Flies Twice Into Top 10 Of Billboard Hot 100
 Rising hip-hop star Drake sees two songs hit the Top 10 on this week's Billboard Hot 100. |
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June 25, 2009 10:56 AM ET
Ayala Ben-Yehuda, L.A.
Drake flies twice into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 this week, with "Best I Ever Had" the week's greatest airplay gainer and "Every Girl," his collaboration with Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Mack Maine and Jae Millz, the week's biggest digital gainer. Drake's "Best I Ever Had" and "Every Girl" (by the combo known as Young Money) jumped 27-3 and 34-10 respectively, after unauthorized versions of the songs showed up earlier this month on the Hot Digital Songs chart. This week, legit versions racked up 153,000 and 90,000 downloads each. The Black Eyed Peas continue their Hot 100 reign at No. 1 and No. 2 with "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling." Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo's "Knock You Down" drops 3-4, Pitbull's "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" falls 4-5, Lady GaGa's "Lovegame" falls 5-6, and Sean Kingston's "Fire Burning" cools 6-7. Also in the top 10 are Jeremih's "Birthday Sex," which falls 6-8, and Shinedown's "Second Chance," steady at No. 9. Following her June 16 CMT Awards ceremony-opening airing of the video of "Thug Story," a parody of her hit "Love Story" featuring T-Pain, Taylor Swift's gag got picked up by 26 mainstream top 40 radio stations. The original is at No. 29 on the Hot 100 this week.
New Boyz' "You're a Jerk" is the week's hot shot debut at No. 32, moving 53,000 downloads and gaining 12% in airplay audience. Other new entries include Pitbull's "Hotel Room Service" at No. 63 and All Time Low's "Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don't) at No. 67, in advance of the latter's Vans Warped Tour run. Rounding out the Hot 100 is David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland's "When Love Takes Over," which tops the Official U.K. Singles Chart this week and also reigns over Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay chart for the fifth week. On the Alternative radio chart, Franz Ferdinand's "No You Girls" ascends 11-9 in its 16th week on the tally. The quartet last visited the top 10 with "Do You Want To" in 2005. (Additional reporting by Gary Trust)
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/drake-flies-twice-into-top-10-of-billboard-1003987890.story
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Michael Jackson Dies at 50
 Michael Jackson |
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June 25, 2009 05:22 PM ET
Gail Mitchell, L.A.
The death of Michael Jackson brings to a sudden end the life of a performer who captivated pop audiences with the Jackson 5 and matured into a performer of electric charisma and unprecedented crossover appeal, before living out his final years as a virtual recluse. Jackson died June 25 after reportedly being found unconscious in his Bel Air, Calif., home. Paramedics rushed the 50-year-old icon to UCLA Medical Center, where he was declared dead. Jackson was in Los Angeles rehearsing for a 50-date run of concerts at London's O2 Arena that was to begin July 13.
Born Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary, Ind., Jackson was the seventh of nine children born to Katherine and Joseph Jackson. Along with older siblings Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon, Jackson first rose to fame as the pint-sized lead singer of the Jackson 5. Formed in 1964 and signed to Motown in 1968, the group quickly scored four back-to-back No. 1 pop and R&B hits, beginning with its 1969 debut single, "I Want You Back." That was followed by "ABC," "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There." Jackson's expressive tenor, electric dancing and natural charisma soon made him the group's popular focal point, so much so that he began moonlighting as a solo artist early in the group's tenure at Motown. He recorded four solo albums for the label, scoring his first top five pop/R&B hit with "Got to Be There" in 1971. One measure of Jackson's unique talent was his ability to turn a song about a rat, "Ben," into another top five smash.
In 1976, the Jackson 5 left Motown in a quest for more artistic freedom, signing with Epic Records and rechristening themselves the Jacksons. The group remained with that label until 1984, scoring seven top 40 hits during that time, including "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" and "State of Shock." It was during this time that Jackson began to come into his own as a creative force. Teaming with legendary producer Quincy Jones, Jackson released his first solo album for Epic, "Off the Wall," in 1979. It was a pivotal step in Jackson's evolution into "the King of Pop." But it was on his second solo album, the 1983 mega-hit "Thriller," when Jackson left his contemporaries in the dust. The album earned the singer a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in 1984. His 1983 performance of "Billie Jean" on the "Motown 25" TV special became an iconic moment when he introduced his James Brown-inspired moonwalk to a national audience. Beyond music, Jackson showed his humanitarian side on the 1985 benefit song "We Are the World," which he co-wrote with Lionel Richie. Proceeds from the song were donated to the charity USA for Africa.
Although Jackson never again approached the sales stratosphere of "Thriller," the follow-up albums "Bad" and "Dangerous" reached No. 1 on the pop chart in 1987 and 1991, respectively. So did the 1995 compilation of hits and new material, "HIStory: Past, Present and Future-Book 1." In the years since, Jackson's star lost some of its luster in the wake of child molestation charges (he was exonerated in a trial), two divorces and financial problems. Even so, there's no denying Jackson's enduring influence. He set a new standard for video aesthetics and stage productions, and his music continues to be sampled by hip-hop artists.
At the time of Jackson's death, he was reported to be working on a new album with contemporary songwriter/producers like Akon, RedOne and others anxious to work with the legendary talent. Jackson reportedly had numerous health woes, including severe back problems, which plagued him during his 2005 trial. His weight dropped to about 105 pounds in 2005, according to some sources. In late 2008, Jackson biographer Ian Halperin claimed the pop star suffers from Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a potentially fatal genetic illness, as well as emphysema and gastrointestinal bleeding. Halperin also told various sources that Jackson could barely speak and was 95% blind in his left eye. Jackson and his representatives at the time vigorously denied these claims. In the run-up to his planned 2009 series of concerts in London, rumors surfaced that Jackson was suffering from skin cancer, a claim denied by the concert promoter AEG Live. "He's as healthy as he can be-no health problems whatsoever," AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips told CNN. Phillips also said Jackson had passed a stringent physical exam before signing a deal to perform the concerts.
Lisa Marie Presley: Michael Jackson Afraid He'd 'End Up' Like Elvis
 Lisa Marie Presley |
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June 26, 2009 05:04 PM ET
Dan Whitcomb (Reuters)
Michael Jackson's former wife Lisa Marie Presley said on Friday the pop star was a tortured soul who once predicted that he would "end up" like her father, the late rock icon Elvis Presley. Writing on her MySpace blog, Presley also ripped into reports in the media that her relationship with Jackson was contrived, saying they split because she could not save him from self-destructive behavior. "Our relationship was not a 'a sham' as is being reported in the press," Presley, 41, wrote in the blog posting, which was verified by her spokesperson. She called it an "unusual relationship" but added: "Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much." Presley, the only daughter of the original "King of Rock 'n' Roll" and a performer in her own right, describes having a conversation with Jackson about her father's August 16, 1977 death. Elvis Presley died at age 42 of a heart attack after years of drug use.
"At some point he (Jackson) paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty: 'I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did.'" Presley wrote that she tried to deter Jackson from the idea, but he shook his head and nodded "as if he knew what he knew" and would not be dissuaded. "As I sit here overwhelmed with sadness, reflection and confusion at what was my biggest failure to date, watching on the news almost play by play the exact scenario I saw happen on August 16, 1977 happening again right now with Michael (a sight I never wanted to see again), just as he predicted, I am truly, truly gutted," she said. Presley wrote that she and Jackson's family tried to save him from "the inevitable, which is what just happened" but she became overwhelmed and had to end their relationship. "I became very ill and emotionally/ spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him," she wrote. (Editing by Will Dunham)
UPDATED: Michael Jackson Mourned By Friends, Fans, Fellow Musicians
June 26, 2009 11:34 AM ET
Friends, music luminaries and fans from around the world and around the web reacted to the news of Michael Jackson's death on June 25 with thoughts on his life and legacy. "I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."
--Madonna “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80’s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication.He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”
--Quincy Jones "May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire JACKSON family particularly Michael’s mother, children and all his fans that loved him so much. I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael. I have great admiration and respect for Him and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer, who in so many ways, transcended the culture. He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten."
--Usher "The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of Pop! Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael."
--Beyonce "Yesterday was a day I will never forget, or want to remember. Michael was both weak and strong, clever and kind, talented beyond belief and equally insecure. He was a doting father, respectful son, loving brother, and caring uncle. He was my friend. I take great solace in the pride and confidence he exhibited during production rehearsals on Wednesday night. That is the memory I will cherish for the rest of my life."
--Randy Phillips, President & CEO of AEG Live, producers of "This Is It.Michael Jackson's personal crescendo of amazing power as an entertainer was clear and unmistakable -- and has never slowed to this very day! His passing will be grieved far beyond that of any other singer, composer, producer, dancer and choreographer, in the history of the world. Indeed, in my very firmest, personal, belief there will never, ever be another Michael Jackson!
--Don Cornelius, Soul Train "Michael was a great and wonderful artist and performer. We were privileged and honored to record him and his brothers here at Philadelphia International Records. We are very honored to have been a part of Michael Jackson’s music and creative career in helping to write and produce his own music with his brothers. We know his music and legacy will live on for a very long time."
--Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Philadelphia International "Peace to the King. I'm devastated by the passing of Michael Jackson; incredibly sad. He was one of my childhood idols. I salute you King of Pop. You made the whole world MoonWalk together."
--LL Cool J "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."
--Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation "I woke up, like this is not happening. Still tearing up. I can't believe this, so crazy to listen to that right now. We recorded that in NY when hit factory was in NY in 2000. spent 2 weeks of my life with that man teaching me about life, period. Not just about music. He heard the demo that was done over the summer in 2000 in philly. Wrote in in 97 and no one was checking for it. it was a floetry demo that went out. He didn't want to touch my ad libs. For him to be mesmerized by my voice, I cant do it. he said, were just gonna keep you in there. 'I Cant Help It' was my favorite. I'm an 'Off The Wall' fan."
--Marsha Ambrosius, Floetry "Michael Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly."
--Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment
"Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences."
--Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing "I'm shocked. He was a pioneer who transcended genre and race with the most unique talent and style the world has ever or will ever see."
--Rob Thomas "The first album I ever bought with my own money was Thriller. His performance at the Grammys is a milestone in the history of American music. I watched it on tv and spent the next two weeks in my kitchen trying to learn how to moonwalk."
--Mark Hoppus, Blink 182 "Michael Jackson has been a part of my life for as long I have heard music. He in my mind is the ultimate entertainer of our generation. I can remember exact moments of my life based on Michael Jackson songs and videos."
--Pete Wentz "His death is a shock. I grew up being inspired by Michael Jackson's music and magic. He is a legend and his music and heart will forever inspire."
--Ashlee Simpson Wentz "Words can't begin to describe my sadness for the loss of Michael Jackson. I was honored and humbled to have the opportunity to perform with him several times and he had a profound influence on my career. Michael forever changed the world of music and entertainment and I will always remember him for his kind and sweet spirit."
--JC Chasez
"

The death of Michael Jackson came as such a surprise to me. At first I felt incredibly saddened, but as I sat and thought of Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer of our time, it put a smile on my face. He was such a dynamic person who touched tonssssssssssssss of people with his talent! That’s incredible! A round of applause for Michael"
--Vanessa Simmons
 "It hasn’t hit me YET!!! I know when it does I will be a f**kin WRECK!!!!! I loved and still LOVE Michael Jackson!!!"
--Brandy Thank you Michael for your hard work, dedication, philanthropy & the sacrifice of your young spirit . Your vision and imagination live thru us. I don’t know what to say.
--Erykah Badu "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."
--Lisa Marie Presley, former wife of Michael Jackson and daughter of Elvis Presley
Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!
--Sean "Diddy" Combs "I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was THE most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched."
--Dick Clark, host of "American Bandstand." "Michael Jackson was clearly one of the greatest entertainers of our era. His influence dominated and defined our culture not only in music, but in fashion, dance, film and so much more. Often overlooked are his spectacular skills as a songwriter, composing both music and lyrics for his immense body of work. In an era in which most songs are composed by teams, Michael was the sole composer of dozens of songs that endeared him to audiences around the world. A BMI songwriter since 1976, his BMI catalog contains more than 150 songs, more than 20 reaching multi-million performance status on American radio and television."
-Del Bryant, President & CEO, Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) "The entire Apollo family is saddened to learn of Michael Jackson’s untimely passing. Michael first performed at the Apollo in 1969 with his brothers when he was only nine years old, winning Amateur Night, and catapulting their career as the Jackson 5. We will always remember Michael in our hearts as a true Apollo legend, known for his professionalism and grace. Our sympathy goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed."
-Jonelle Procope, Preszident & CEO, The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. "I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!"
-Britney Spears"Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim. A 13-time GRAMMY recipient, Michael’s career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss."
--Neil Portnow, President/CEO, The Recording Academy "Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly."
--Russell Simmons, hip-hop entrepreneur and founder of Def-Jam Records.
Other stars commented via Twitter: @MCHammer: I will be mourning my friend , brother, mentor and inspiration.. He gave me and my family hope. I would never have been me without him.
@johncmayer: Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ.I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player.
@imogenheap: Noooooooo!!!! Michael Jackson was my childhood! I loved him. So so so so sad. So nearly saw him live. Just a couple of weeks. crying.
@RealTalibKweli: RIP Michael Jackson. Greatest performer ever.
@KELLY__ROWLAND: Michael you left such a legacy on this earth, have touched SO MANY!!! We thank you for such a driving inspiration in music & our lives!!
@MF Doom: A little bit of everyone died today, I can tell you a piece of me just did
@theboygeorge: Total shock and huge sadness about Michael Jackson, may he have some peace now. Amen!
@BlakeLewis: So many tears falling, my heart crushed, my idol no more. Micheal Jackson you will forever live in my heart. May you R.I.P. With James Brown
Michael Jackson: King Of Billboard's Pop Charts
June 25, 2009 07:54 PM ET
Monica Herrera, N.Y.
Michael Jackson's impact on pop music history is impossible to overstate. The 1982 album "Thriller," the singer's career-defining release, has sold 28 million albums in the U.S. according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), making it the top-selling studio album in the U.S. of all time. (Only an Eagles greatest-hits collection has sold more.) "Thriller"
topped the Billboard 200 chart for 37 weeks, the second-longest run at No. 1 of any album in history. Over the course of his solo career, Jackson charted 47 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, 13 of which went to No. 1. As part of the Jackson 5, he earned an additional four No. 1 Hot 100 hits. His "Thriller" album was the first to spawn seven top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart while his 1987 follow-up album, "Bad," became the first to see five of its singles reach No. 1. Jackson was also the first act to ever debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100 with "You Are Not Alone" on Sept. 2, 1995. His last studio project, 2001's "Invincible," has sold 2.1 million copies in the U.S. according to Nielsen SoundScan. The set's first single, "You Rock My World," became the entertainer's final top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
His catalog of albums continues to sell strongly. Since "Thriller" was reissued in February 2008 in a special deluxe edition, it has sold 774,000 copies in the U.S. according to Nielsen SoundScan. The album re-entered Billboard's Top Pop Catalog chart at No. 1 with 166,000 sold in its first week. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), it was the 32nd biggest selling album in the world last year and the ninth best seller for Sony Music.
Explore Jackson's multi-decade history on the Billboard charts even futher here.
PLAYLIST HERE:
http://www.imeem.com/billboard/playlist/nIlXknzE/michael-jackson-billboard-no-1s-music-playlist/
Additional reporting by Keith Caulfield and Gary Trust
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/michael-jackson-dies-at-50-1003988113.story
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/lisa-marie-presley-michael-jackson-afraid-1003988487.story
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/michael-jackson-king-of-billboard-s-pop-1003988140.story
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/updated-michael-jackson-mourned-by-friends-1003988171.story
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DJ DIphoeniX's iCANDY [EYEcandy]
Briana Loyd - She glowed like the full moon
Lovers Night by Jeff VerStraete
A special dinner, That's what he set out to do. To show her how special she was, To show her his love was true.
A candle light dinner, He made for them to eat. Looking deep into her eyes, Their souls did meet.
After they ate dinner, To the couch they did retire. Curled up together with a movie, And the sweet glow of a fire.
So relaxed and content, A feeling of heavenly bliss. On the back of her neck, He placed a sweet soft kiss.
It sent a shiver down her spine, And she turned and held him tight. Whispering softly in his ear, Make love to me all night.
He said I'll be right back, As he got up off the couch. Into his bedroom he went, Then pulled out a pouch.
He pulled out rose pedals, And laid them all over the bed. Hundreds of rose pedals, White, yellow, pink and red.
Around the room, Candle after candle he did light. Making a soft glow in the room, That flicked in the night.
He went to the couch, And took her by the hand. She glowed like the full moon, As she got off the couch to stand.
He walked behind her down the hall, With his hands he covered her eyes. So she couldnt see anything, Especially the candle and rose pedal surprise.
When they got to the door, He let her see the surprise. It took away her breath, She just couldnt believe her eyes.
He took her by the hand, And softly kissed her lips. He pulled her close to him, And up her arm he ran his fingertips.
The two made love all night, The two became one. Desire and passion so hot, As hot as a noon sun.
The sweat of their bodies, Glistened in the candle light. Collapsing in each others arms, Somewhere in the middle of the night.
They curled up together, Holding her all so tight. With the glow of the candles, As the lovers nightlight.
Laying next to her, He rubbed her back with his hand. Just laying there looking at her, As she drifted off to dream land.
He woke her the next morning, With coffee for her in his hand. His beautiful sweet lover, The Princess of his land.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS AT myspace.com/bzloydwill
http://www.outaroad.com/2008/11/lovers_night_by_jeff_verstraet.html#more
