Cherish was the sixth track from the Like A Prayer album, and was one of Zuriel’s favorite song. Every time I hear this song I think of Zuriel. – “Cherish the thought of always having you here by my side.”
The following month (December 1989) just a few weeks before Christmas, I ventured out to the “Power Company,” which was a favorite gay bar located in Durham, North Carolina. It was on this night that I crossed paths with yet another soul. I noticed him as he entered the club with his friends.
I watched him the entire night and at one point had written down my phone number on a matchbook just in case I had the pleasure of meeting him. As the night was about to end, I walked out into the middle of the dance floor and handed the matchbook to him, and then exited the club immediately. I had never, ever done anything like that before, but I felt a powerful attraction to this person. Titus and I were going through one of our many breakups, so I was justified in giving out my phone number.
He called me two weeks later and introduced himself as, Zuriel. This good-looking Italian was from upstate New York and was attending North Carolina State University, in Raleigh.
Zuriel and I dated a few times. We went camping and hiking on a few occasions, and I even spent the night in his fraternity house, which was another first for me. We never tried to develop a serious relationship because he had plans to move back to New York state after his graduation. We just enjoyed each other’s company. We always had a fantastic time together. Zuriel loved the song, Cherish, by Madonna, and I still think of him every time I hear this song.
At one point I brought Zuriel to my hometown to meet some of my family and accepted him instantly. He didn’t have the opportunity to meet my parents or my older siblings, but the ones he met appeared to welcome him. It was most definitely a step in the right direction.
Zuriel and I had some amazing times together. He always made me laugh.
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So tired of broken hearts and losing at this game
Before I start this dance
I take a chance in telling you
I want more than just romance
You are my destiny, I can’t let go baby can’t you see
Cupid please take your aim at me
Cherish the thought
Of always having you here by my side (oh baby I)
Cherish the joy
You keep bringing it into my life (I’m always singing it)
Cherish your strength
You got the power to make me feel good (and baby I)
Perish the thought
Of ever leaving, I never would
I was never satisfied with casual encounters
I can’t hide my need for two hearts that bleed with burning love
That’s the way it’s got to be
Romeo and Juliet, they never felt this way I bet
So don’t underestimate my point of view
Cherish the thought
Of always having you here by my side (oh baby I)
Cherish the joy
You keep bringing it into my life (I’m always singing it)
Cherish your strength
You got the power to make me feel good (and baby I)
Perish the thought
Of ever leaving, I never would
Who? You! Can’t get away I won’t let you
Who? You! I could never forget to
Cherish is the word I use to remind me of your love
Romeo and Juliet, they never felt this way I bet
So don’t underestimate my point of view
Who? You! Can’t get away I won’t let you
Who? You! I could never forget to
Cherish is the word I use to remind me of your love
Cherish the thought
Of always having you here by my side (oh baby I)
Cherish the joy
You keep bringing it into my life (I’m always singing it)
Cherish your strength
You got the power to make me feel good (and baby I)
Perish the thought
Of ever leaving, I never would
Give me faith give me joy, my boy
I will always cherish you
