Gifts of Life and Death

Updated on April 6, 2017

Audrey Howitt

Audrey is a poet, classical singer and voice teacher, recovering attorney and licensed psychotherapist.

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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.

Comments

Jamie Lee Hamann 2 months ago from Reno NV
Oh Audrey...absolutely incredible write this morning. Jamie
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Hey Jamie--Thank you!!! I love it when it works out that way--they don't always-
Nithya Venkat 2 months ago from Dubai
Great write and much food for thought.
Ruby Jean Fuller 2 months ago from Southern Illinois
The breathtaking beauty of nature. Beautiful Audrey!
Rachel L Alba 2 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.
DEBANGEE MANDAL 2 months ago from India
A talented piece of writing ..well narrated.
Bill Holland 2 months ago from Olympia, WA
This is the perfect way to end my writing day. Thank you!
manatita44 2 months ago from london
Yes, up there with some of your best pieces. You felt inspired eh? Superb!
Linda Crampton 2 months ago from British Columbia, Canada
The imagery in this poem is fascinating, Audrey. I love your ideas and originality.
Catherine Tally 2 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:)
Louise Powles 2 months ago from Norfolk, England
That's a beautiful poem, Audrey. I enjoyed reading it. =)
Gina Welds Hulse 2 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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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Thank you Gina!
FlourishAnyway 2 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.
Linda Rogers 2 months ago from Minnesota
your poetry just blows my mind. What a lovely poem to read on this spring evening.
mckbirdbks 2 months ago from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas
Hello Audrey - This shines light into deep crevices of thought.
Gypsy Rose Lee 2 months ago from Riga, Latvia
Most amazing poetry. Enjoyed.
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Thank you manatiita!
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Thank you Bill!
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Thank you Debangee!
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Thank you Mike!
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Thank you Flourish--it is a circle --even at the tiniest levels
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Thank you Rachel!
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Hi Rasma--hope all is well in your world--thank you!
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Thank you Coffeequeen!
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Audrey Howitt 2 months ago from California
Thank you Ruby!