Glimpsing the Better Part

Glimpsing the Better Part

Carol Park

Returned to house, I wonder—what makes a home?
In the tiny cabin I found lost glasses with ease—
not in a mansion. On paths of needles I roamed—
now concrete pounds feet. No pine scent in the breeze.

Each comfort draws me. In my garden, I spread my toes
in harmless dirt—no need of sneakers’ shelter. That vine—
holding hard balls before—dangles soft red globes.
Inhale that heady scent—such multitudes all mine!

The plentiful life attracts, but vexes—my serrated
knife—where can I find you? It slices tomato skin—
my juicy orbs taste luscious. Ache for forest glens abates
but the wild soon wars with ease again—a tossing within.

Ads besiege and lure me to such frivolous spending—
leaves less bounty—oh, Spirit, keep me in true seeing.

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Carol Park
Poet

Carol teaches, serves in a jail, hikes and reads. Her poetry appears in SLANT, Minerva Rising, The Haight Ashbury Journal, Black Fox Literary, MiGoZine, Monterey Poetry Review, The Broadkill Review, California Quarterly, and New Contexts 2, 3, and 4. Kelsay Press will publish her poetry book, Songs Sharp and Tender.

Photography by Diana Sparkle