Carey Hughley III, Organ Donor, Durham, North Carolina1997

Experience the poet whose voice was silenced much too soon...Read III Gifts and find your senses awakened, your passions ignited, and your awareness raised. Carey Hughley,III chronicles a journey of self-discovery with an idealism and zeal for life characteristic of adults in their twenties, but tempered by a respect for spirituality and the metaphysical realm well beyond his years. He artfully conveys fervor and conviction, as well as a vulnerability rarely expressed by young men. He skillfully uses words to paint beautiful pictures of the natural world around us, evoking the imagery of light, the stars of the night sky, water and the ocean.

A beauty complemented by his keen eye that captured all the photographs featured in this volume of poetry. Amazingly, he is both introspective and a keen observer of human nature. He expresses compassion and fraternal love in The Truth of It All and America’s Sin, while speaking truth to power and providing critical commentary of the challenges that exist in our world. He examines the quest for living authentically in Sick Society and Dismal Voyage. These poems also explore the ever-present struggle between the light and the dark, as well as spiritual love, a theme that emerges once again in God’s Creation and I Wish I Were God. Lest you forget the ardors of youth, feel the verve as Carey raps fervently about forays into romantic love and the complexities that come along with them in Sex & Love, Close to You,and Black Woman.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carey Hughley, III was a believer who made his presence known in his own quiet way. He was a dreamer driven by determination and vision. Most importantly, he was kind and compassionate with a deep appreciation for those who accepted him for his unique individuality. This book is titled III Gifts to highlight three of the strongest traits that characterized his personality --- creativity, leadership, and generosity. It features poems written by Carey in his late teens and early 20s and several photographs he took during family vacations. A tribute section of this book describe the poet in the word of those who knew him well.

"Seeing Carey up on the awards stand just seemed to fit. He was a true inspiration because of his leadership both by word and example as well as his grace in the water." ~ Annie Bowers, teammate

"Carey always remained true to himself. His innate pride was evident in and out of the pool. Carey's strong character demands and received respect. He is truly an inspiration to all those who know him." ~ Jenny Karpinski, teammate

At the age of 21, Carey was shot and killed by a mentally ill student. Upon his arrival at the hospital, he was declared brain-dead. It had been his wish to donate his organs, so his family found the strength and courage to honor that wish. Carey's ultimate gift --- the gift of life touched four families directly. Hopefully with this book, III Gifts, may his message touch many, many more. Two women who were waiting for kidney transplants—one from his parents’ church and one from his aunt’s church. They directed Carey’s kidneys to them, and the kidneys matched and were transplanted. Carey’s liver went to a 47-year-old father of three, and one of Carey’s lungs went to a woman who was able to go back to work.