Our Lady of the Pootens

wikimedia commons

public domain in the United States

Lamentation of Christ, Erfurt, c. 1480, limewood, original colours

Skulpturensammlung (Inv. 5930, erworben 1910), Bode-Museum, Berlin

Photo: Andreas Praefcke 

He called me “our lady of the pootens,”

“pootens” being those

creatures who could not

survive on their own.

 

The appellation was not meant in honor

nor in love really--

A sense of the sardonic maybe,

the inevitable,

as I picked up yet another

hurt and hungry animal

to harbor for a time,

until it healed,

or died.

 

He didn’t know that was empathy.

He wanted it to be something else,

a space that I carved out

only for him

a space for him

to heal,

or die.

But I couldn’t do it for him.

I just couldn’t.

 

 

copyright/all rights reserved 2012 Audrey Howitt 

Reviews

[FJ Davis]

Many questions--but I don't feel much like raising them, right now.
It often seems that human beings are too complicated for their own good.
Stunning work, Audrey!--truly heartrending,

[Audrey Howitt]

Thank you Frank--hope you are well--

[Neville]

Excellent Audrey, a most unexpected pleasure to read first thing this morning, thank you. All Good THings, Neville

[Audrey Howitt]

Thank you Neville! Much appreciated!

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

As all your work, this is beautifully expressed. This one hits me deeply in the caring place. I am an animal lover, taker in of strays, the wounded, the misfit, the crippled and unwanted. That in itself stirs my heart in your first lines. When you bring "him" in I am filled with a sadness, wondering if he wanted you to show this to him, or just resented sharing it. It seems very intimate, and personal, and moves me because I am reminded of some of my past, and whether the circumstances are the same or not, I can deeply feel this piece.

[Audrey Howitt]

Thank you Claire--I find that we cannot rescue everyone--even though we may try

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Quite true...but difficult to learn, for me.

[Audrey Howitt]

It was difficult for me as well