Gifts of Life and Death

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

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

Comments

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 24, 2019:

Thank you Linda!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 24, 2019:

Thank you Linda!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 24, 2019:

Thank you Vellur!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on August 16, 2017:

Thank you Cat! You are kind!!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 12, 2017:

Thank you Ruby!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 12, 2017:

Thank you Coffeequeen!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 10, 2017:

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

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 10, 2017:

Thank you Rachel!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 10, 2017:

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

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 10, 2017:

Thank you Mike!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 10, 2017:

Thank you Debangee!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 10, 2017:

Thank you Bill!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 10, 2017:

Thank you manatiita!

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on April 09, 2017:

Most amazing poetry. Enjoyed.

mckbirdbks from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas on April 08, 2017:

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

Linda Rogers from Minnesota on April 07, 2017:

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

FlourishAnyway from USA on April 07, 2017:

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

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 07, 2017:

Thank you Gina!

Gina Welds Hulse from Rockledge, Florida on April 07, 2017:

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

Louise Powles from Norfolk, England on April 07, 2017:

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

Catherine Tally from Los Angeles on April 06, 2017:

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:)

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on April 06, 2017:

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

manatita44 from london on April 06, 2017:

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

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on April 06, 2017:

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

DEBANGEE MANDAL from India on April 06, 2017:

A talented piece of writing ..well narrated.

Rachel L Alba from Every Day Cooking and Baking on April 06, 2017:

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.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on April 06, 2017:

The breathtaking beauty of nature. Beautiful Audrey!

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on April 06, 2017:

Great write and much food for thought.

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 06, 2017:

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

Jamie Lee Hamann from Reno NV on April 06, 2017:

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