Cymbals of Tree Rings

By Audrey Atherley

On an island in the Caribbean Sea, a breathtaking backdrop provides inspiration. In her collection of fresh, engaging verse, poet Audrey Atherley shares imagery that provides a unique perspective into the landscape of Barbados as well as what it is like to live as a West Indian in New York.

Atherley paints a colourful picture of Barbados life the shouts of the market vendor, the songs of birds, the smell of raw fish and sea eggs, and the sight of the fishing boats at Skeetes Bay. She also explores the feelings she experienced while attempting to acclimate to life in America, as the spring trees bloomed in Madison Square Garden and leaves changed colour along the New Jersey Turnpike. Joy, sadness, and a sense of overriding hope connect Atherleys personal recollections and transform them into relatable poems that genuinely express a multitude of emotions.

Celebrating life in a variety of ways, Cymbals of Tree Rings reflects the sights and sounds of a Caribbean island and the thoughts and experiences of a West Indian poet in the United States.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491707456

Audrey Atherley

Audrey Atherley holds a master’s degree in performance studies from New York University. She has taught English and drama for many years and is currently a part-time instructor in foundation English at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies. Audrey lives in Barbados.

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Copyright © 2013 Audrey Atherley.

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ISBN: 978-1-4917-0744-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-0745-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013916520

iUniverse rev. date: 10/03/2013

Contents

The Journey

Tap ’n’ Jazz

Fannin’ Cricket

Fireworks

Ode to Mahogany

Speak Easy

Your Red Roses

The Choice

The Interview

For Rhea, 12

For Allison

Road Runner

Bajan Market

Homegoing

Bath

Time

Tribute to Julie A. Mayers

Cymbals of Tree Rings

Salud Barbados

Ragged Point

Sea Fever

Beach Stroll

Trees

Spring

Reverie

Seascape

Dawn

Camera Action

Artist at Work

Washington Square

Recollect

Waiting

For Aunt Marge

Bees

Take Your Time

Sax

Lonely in NYC

On the Deck

About the Author

In memory of my father,

John Howard Springer

Use what talent you