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Books & Poetry

Poem: Two in the Park

Books & Poetry

Park settings in both prelude and metaphor feature in today’s Poet’s Corner contributions from writer JR McRae.

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Two in the Park

It was...

Grass jumping with sparrows,
People pecking crumbs,
Paper bag mushrooms,
Leaf freckles,
Tree fingers touching
Across a smile of path,
Swan shadows necking –
And green happiness
Ringing round us
In a shout
Of park.

Clean Sweep

Swept skies, wind-brushed down trees –
The gust of swift strokes passes
Through grasses teased and combed.

Who owns the fallen leaves?
No one’s neighbour does.

On an edge that is a balcony precipice
Overlooking the microcosm,
You can see the swing of the broom
Rush everything before it down suburban paths.

I listen to my aching sigh, you make
A sweeping statement
That blows away to where leaves go,
And stays.

Somewhere there is a settling
Whilst we lean on brooms and gaze...
Somewhere breezes lie in wait
For the straggle leaf days.

JR McRae’s poetry, cover art and articles have featured in anthologies and journals in Australia, the UK and US. As JR Poulter, she also writes children’s books, with more than 20 print and digital titles published. Following her first job in a circus, she has held positions of senior reference librarian with John Oxley Library, full-time book reviewer for the Queensland Education Department, senior education officer Queensland Studies Authority, and associate lecturer at Queensland University. McRae’s poetry book, “Blood & Other Essentials”, is due out soon.

Readers’ original and unpublished poems of up to 40 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to poetscorner@solsticemedia.com.au. A poetry book will be awarded to each contributor.
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