Updated date:

Apr 5, 2017

How to End a Conversation

Author:

Audrey Howitt

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

My #5 for National Poetry Month

"Ya never know what a walk might bring"

her breath a sour mash of stained red

or maybe brown, hard to tell in the dark

neon blitz greens up a smile

that freezes insides

spits from between those greenies

pulls whiskey under blood shot eyes

winks

Insides thaw if you wait long enough

they wrap around

and hold you

grist

as greenies descend.

I didn't know, not for sure

but can guess.

I kick her pegged leg

on the way out.

Process Note: I was struck by this picture and the stories it could tell. I am not even sure that this is a poem, but this is what came out--a bit on the grisly side for me--

Comments

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

Thank you Linda!

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

Thank you Mary!

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

Thank you Peggy!

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

Thank you Flourish!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 18, 2017:

Thank you Ruby!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 18, 2017:

Thank you Audrey Hunt!

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

You crack me up Mike! It often happens that I am not sure of the meaning--maybe I shouldn't admit that so readily--

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

Thank you MsDora--it is a bit different!

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on April 10, 2017:

Different in mood and content, I think, but still shows your expertise at creating images. Variety is the spice of life--and poetry.

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

Hi Audrey - Here lay down on the couch, this needs serious psychoanalytic interpretation. Glad you admitted you are unsure of the meaning.

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

The poem is a bit grisly, but it's also very interesting. I enjoyed reading a different style of poetry from you.

Mary Wickison from Brazil on April 06, 2017:

That image is gripping. When I read your poem I had to recheck to see if I had landed on another person's page! This is very different than your usual style.

You're a versatile woman and poet.

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

It would fit into one of your novels Bill--thank you!

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

This would fit perfectly in one of my novels. I'm into grisly big time, as you know. Great stuff; I really enjoyed this one.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 05, 2017:

Interesting poem to accompany that photo. Definitely on the dark side of things as you mentioned and described as "grisly."

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on April 05, 2017:

I had to go take another look at the picture. I can see the dark from the leg/ foot scoop. So you wrote a dark one, only means you're human. Smiling....

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on April 05, 2017:

You've done a great job releasing your darker side. Thanks Audrey

FlourishAnyway from USA on April 05, 2017:

This one left me guessing but that's part of the mystery and fun.

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 05, 2017:

Manatita, I appreciate your kind words--I have a darker side and rarely let it loose--thank all the years of reading Stephen King novels--

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on April 05, 2017:

Thanks Jamie--I think I am pushing the envelope a bit

manatita44 from london on April 05, 2017:

Yes. A dark one. I thought so while reading it. I do this with Flash sometimes.

Comperes at Open Mic say never apologise for sad or dark stuff. They feel that's what the crowd wants. Who knows?

Still painted well with your delicate brush.