Of this ashen earth
I scattered myself from the equator to the edges of the world after burning in a fire that drew the weight from my body and flung me to the wind.
Where land I touched, I transformed. In pieces, I reconnected through ground, laced tight tectonic plates, and found myself again in alien soil born of this ashen earth.
Charred bone fragment and teeth; sift me from the numerous ash piles of my rebirths and carve me into dice. Dot the pips with ebony and collect me in a box of teak wood scented with sacred. Red ribbon is welcome.
Save the dice for my next lifetime. Watch me then roll across the belly of the globe and
remember.
Photo by Julius Drost
Dominic Alapat
What an elemental and powerful poem! Excellent writing Jaya!
Chip
Funny – I did not read all the comments before posting my comment. After posting my comment I perused them – and was surprised that so many other people used the word evocative in their comment too!
Jaya Avendel
Love that you read the comments, Chip! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Chip
Jaya,
Your words are always powerful & evocative. The pictures you choose – equally so. Great job!
Ashley Spills
This is beautifully written <3
Sara Humayun
Wow wow wow this is awesome
Jewish Young Professional "JYP"
“Save the dice for my next lifetime. Watch me then roll across the belly of the globe and
remember.” – I love this
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
An interesting and thought-provoking piece! Thanks for sharing!
Lamittan Minsah
I love the diction, Jaya. Every word is carefully chosen and every sentence fits seamlessly into the next, triggering the reader’s mental conception of the obliteration and transformation. This is indeed an indication that you’ve mastered the evocative use of words. Thumbs-up for this, dear. 💖
Jaya Avendel
Wow! This reading of yours . . . magnificent!
Lamittan Minsah
You’re most welcome, Jaya.
Anika
Beautifully written, I love how your poetry is developing!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Anika!
Lauren
This is such a thought provoking piece. It really makes you think about the words. Thank you for sharing Jaya, this is beautifully written.
Lauren
Unwanted Life
For me, this seems like it’s talking about reincarnation and the randomness of the lives we’re given and the lives we lead. Watch me roll across the belly of the globe just kind of cements the idea that they don’t know where they’ll be reincarnated and how it’s all to chance
Jaya Avendel
Absolutely love the way you read this! Thank you for sharing.
Taylor Tries Her Best
I didn’t know I could read one sentence for ten minutes and still think about it! Really beautiful writing, thank you so much for sharing.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Taylor!
Jeff Flesch
There’s so much to get in this beautiful verse, Jaya. I get the transformation of human beingness into the ashen collectivity we are a part of, including the box and the ribbon. Oh, and I love the end. Is magic. Wonderful write!
Jaya Avendel
Love your eloquent words as always, Jeff!
Melissa Kacar
This is so beautifully written! The metaphors you use are so thought provoking and haunting at the same time, I loved reading this! Thanks for sharing!
Charity
This is such a beautify and chilling piece! You are so talented! Thanks so much for sharing!
paeansunplugged
Jaya, amazing metaphors and imagery. Waiting for the roll of dice.
Jaya Avendel
Love the way you read this, Punam!
Cindy Georgakas
Wow what an incredible visual piece Jaya that brought so much to life. Chilling and wonderfully written!
💖
Daphny Aqua
This poem gave me chills, kudos Jaya this is one heck of a piece.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you deeply, Daphny!
Daphny Aqua
You’re most welcome Jaya!
Eugi
A stunning and evocative piece. I like that you wrote this in first person. Brava!
Alicia from tastyeasyeats
Amazing, well written, thoughtful. It speaks of so many feelings. Great work Jaya.
Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections
Wow … A thought-provoking journey through metaphors. Beautifully written, Jaya!
Nicci
This is so beautiful written and thought provoking, I read this so many times dissecting each piece to find the many meanings it carries! Great piece
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Nicci!
Adelaide
Wonderful post, I enjoyed read it, I love poetry.💝
SelmaMartin
I liked how you told this in the first person. I could feel the Morphosis beautifully then. Genius. Thanks.
Ingrid
‘Charred bone fragment and teeth; sift me from the numerous ash piles of my rebirths’ – this is so visceral and evocative!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you deeply, Ingrid!
Lucia’s Fiction
This reads lovelily and evocatively ✨