Wine Sunsets
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
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Thank you Cynthia--sometimes I wonder where this stuff comes from--but I have learned to trust my process
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Thank you Vellur!
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Thank you MsDora!
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Thank you Manatita!
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Thank you Flourish! I wasn't thinking rats, but I can see how you took that out of this piece!
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.
A lovely poem and so filled with beauty.
A string of images passed through my mind as I read your brilliant poem. Great write.
The feast begins at the proper time in a most unsupplicated way.
Dramatic and playful! Excellent poetry.
Magical! You, lady, are the Einstein of poetry with Mozart as a backup!
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!
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!
Your poem is filled with vivid and intriguing imagery, Audrey. I get new ideas each time I read it. Thank you!
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:)
Brilliant, Audrey!
Your words certainly paint a visual.
This one was painted most powerfully! A strong, sensitive poem. Brilliant!
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Thank you Mike!
It reminded me of pretty little fairies flying around and nobody sees them.
Blessings to you, Audrey.
Richly imagistic poem that works on the imagination.
I have run out of words to describe your exquisite poetry. You truly are a wonderful talent.
I thought of the poor waiters who watched the wealthy eat and drink wine, hoping they would leave a taste to savor. Very creative!
I like Flourish's take on this poem. Reminded me of a Salvadore Dali painting. Very appealing.
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.
There is a richness here, not often found.
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