we were raised on wasps

cleaned our teeth with stingers

after feasting

on poisons left behind

in pockets carefully lined

with the plumes of vagrancy

we tasted the wine left behind

at parties where

only the best mingled

clothed in customary blanketed emotions

sweeping aside alien lovers

ducking under tables

we laughed at them

turning our teeth outward

to fetch flies

circling in fathomless trajectories

at sunset.

© 2016 Audrey Howitt

Comments

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

Thank you Cynthia--sometimes I wonder where this stuff comes from--but I have learned to trust my process

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

Thank you Vellur!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on August 30, 2017:

Thank you MsDora!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on May 17, 2017:

Thank you Manatita!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on November 29, 2016:

Thank you Flourish! I wasn't thinking rats, but I can see how you took that out of this piece!

Cynthia B Turner from Georgia on November 18, 2016:

Hi Audrey, I had to leave a comment about such a powerful poems. It is so well crafted. It moved me but it's difficult to put a finger on why. "We cleaned our teeth with stingers" is a vivid image but when you try to identify who the we are, it slithers away. Loved this. It's a poem I would read multiple times and get something different each time. Peace and take care.

DDE on September 20, 2016:

A lovely poem and so filled with beauty.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on September 20, 2016:

A string of images passed through my mind as I read your brilliant poem. Great write.

Deb Hirt on September 11, 2016:

The feast begins at the proper time in a most unsupplicated way.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on September 03, 2016:

Dramatic and playful! Excellent poetry.

Audrey Hunt on August 29, 2016:

Magical! You, lady, are the Einstein of poetry with Mozart as a backup!

Peggy Woods on August 29, 2016:

That line about the party attendees "clothed in customary blanketed emotions" is so apt. Many people behave differently in social situations compared to when they are relaxed at home. Your poetry brings up many different thoughts and ideas after reading it. I also agree with FlourishAnyway as to her thoughts about the rats. Well done Audrey!

Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on August 29, 2016:

Beautiful! I have always, always loved your poetry with its beautiful images. I don't know what it is, but I find it more approachable than other poetry: you just have a way with words that takes me to another world and I love it! I've missed you!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on August 26, 2016:

Your poem is filled with vivid and intriguing imagery, Audrey. I get new ideas each time I read it. Thank you!

Catherine Tally from Los Angeles on August 26, 2016:

Our invisible demons are rarely absent! I love your imagination, Audrey, and your mastery of words. It's always a pleasure to read your work!

My best to you, Cat:)

Faith Reaper from southern USA on August 26, 2016:

Brilliant, Audrey!

Your words certainly paint a visual.

manatita44 from london on August 26, 2016:

This one was painted most powerfully! A strong, sensitive poem. Brilliant!

Audrey Howitt (author) from California on August 26, 2016:

Thank you Mike!

Rachel L Alba from Every Day Cooking and Baking on August 26, 2016:

It reminded me of pretty little fairies flying around and nobody sees them.

Blessings to you, Audrey.

Richard Francis Fleck from Denver, Colorado on August 26, 2016:

Richly imagistic poem that works on the imagination.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on August 26, 2016:

I have run out of words to describe your exquisite poetry. You truly are a wonderful talent.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on August 26, 2016:

I thought of the poor waiters who watched the wealthy eat and drink wine, hoping they would leave a taste to savor. Very creative!

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on August 26, 2016:

I like Flourish's take on this poem. Reminded me of a Salvadore Dali painting. Very appealing.

FlourishAnyway from USA on August 26, 2016:

You probably didn't intend this at all, but this makes me think of rats hiding out at a fancy party or at the fringes of polite society mocking those who would be disgusted if only they knew. They're waiting for a feast of crumbs.

mckbirdbks from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas on August 25, 2016:

There is a richness here, not often found.