Talons

The bald eagle’s full plumage fans out over Marquise’s right index finger. The wingspan held away from its body looks like a sign of strength, but it’s to cool the body. Aerial acrobatics talents clutch the cartwheeling and black diamond skateboard with sharp talons. The hazardous sport has kept the youth jamming stunts, but the big five hunt goes on.

This message is important. On Sunday, August 23rd Marquise strolled across Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue south of the California Recreation Center. Upon being approached by another black male he was shot in the abdomen. The bullet entered and exited like a searing knife through butter. Marquise fell backwards. The next quarter seconds of life were in the assassin’s hands. Marquise thought ‘this is it’ as he looked into the crass face of death’s eyes. He closed his eyes. He thought this is where it ends. The mechanics of the small caliber pistol miraculously jammed. The trigger did not have permission to discharge. The gateway was closed. The asphalt softened like open palms. The moments intensified lying in wait for another direct hit, but even slamming the gun his palm couldn’t complete a deceased entry. All human plans fail as the will of God unveiled for you love.

“I could have killed you my nigga.” The murder attempt got abandoned as the suspect disappeared through the undeveloped park onto Lewis Avenue. What else could you be thinking as you’re left alone blinking. The ambulance transported Marquise to St. Mary’s Hospital. He recovered after the surgery. The scars remain.

“That was grace. All grace. That was spiritual. Angels had to be there.” said Marquise. He gave his testimony to professional skateboarder and musician Ray Barbee. His talons flipped many more skateboards when he was released from St. Mary’s Hospital. It’s a blessing to practice what you love to do. In one take, Marquise landed a flip trick in Eldorado’s concrete bowl. Isaiah’s prophetic pictures reminds us, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on powerful wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”