Gifts of Life and Death

Updated on April 6, 2017
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Audrey Howitt
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Audrey is a poet, classical singer and voice teacher, recovering attorney and licensed psychotherapist.

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by:pippalou
by:pippalou | Source


My #6 for National Poetry Month




i give of sand,

its impermanent striations

my constant.

i am the shore

washed clean for you.


i give of salt.

to taste my lips is to know

of brine births in shallows

and to taste death within me.

i am algae,

my life but a blink of your eye.


i give of blood

to grubs and adders

who must nest

to find warmth.

i am its thickness

and its scab

bursting through soil.


i give of bone

its hum but a vibration.

i am the maggot who rests

in bone's hollows

laying my eggs in the dark.


© 2017 Audrey Howitt

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      Audrey Howitt 8 months ago from California

      Thank you Cat! You are kind!!

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Thank you Ruby!

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Thank you Coffeequeen!

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Hi Rasma--hope all is well in your world--thank you!

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Thank you Rachel!

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Thank you Flourish--it is a circle --even at the tiniest levels

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Thank you Mike!

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Thank you Debangee!

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Thank you Bill!

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Thank you manatiita!

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      Gypsy Rose Lee 12 months ago from Riga, Latvia

      Most amazing poetry. Enjoyed.

    • mckbirdbks profile image

      mckbirdbks 12 months ago from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas

      Hello Audrey - This shines light into deep crevices of thought.

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      Linda Rogers 12 months ago from Minnesota

      your poetry just blows my mind. What a lovely poem to read on this spring evening.

    • FlourishAnyway profile image

      FlourishAnyway 12 months ago from USA

      After several readings, I can see now that it's a reflection on the circle of life. You are very talented, Audrey.

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Thank you Gina!

    • Gina Welds-Hulse profile image

      Gina Welds Hulse 12 months ago from Rockledge, Florida

      This was a beautiful piece of writing, Audrey. I enjoyed it...beauty of nature......loved the imagery.

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      Louise Powles 12 months ago from Norfolk, England

      That's a beautiful poem, Audrey. I enjoyed reading it. =)

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      Catherine Tally 12 months ago from Los Angeles

      Beautifully expressed, Audrey! We are all part of one magnificent cycle, and our lives, indeed, are just a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of things. There is a holiness in the process of life, death, and life. . . I so enjoy reading your work!

      Cat:)

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      Linda Crampton 12 months ago from British Columbia, Canada

      The imagery in this poem is fascinating, Audrey. I love your ideas and originality.

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      manatita44 12 months ago from london

      Yes, up there with some of your best pieces. You felt inspired eh? Superb!

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      Bill Holland 12 months ago from Olympia, WA

      This is the perfect way to end my writing day. Thank you!

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      DEBANGEE MANDAL 12 months ago from India

      A talented piece of writing ..well narrated.

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      Rachel L Alba 12 months ago from Every Day Cooking and Baking

      Hi Audrey, This is a poem I had to read over a few times, but I finally got it. It is an interesting poem for sure. You have a real talent for words.

      Blessings to you.

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      Ruby Jean Richert 12 months ago from Southern Illinois

      The breathtaking beauty of nature. Beautiful Audrey!

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      Nithya Venkat 12 months ago from Dubai

      Great write and much food for thought.

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      Audrey Howitt 12 months ago from California

      Hey Jamie--Thank you!!! I love it when it works out that way--they don't always-

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      Jamie Lee Hamann 12 months ago from Reno NV

      Oh Audrey...absolutely incredible write this morning. Jamie

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