deepundergroundpoetry.com
Central Park
For a moment, what we see about us
Appears certain and composed,
Where people move with an ease
Of drifting waterlilies, as if suggesting
An oasis among mausoleums.
"Perhaps this isn't natural," you say,
Suspecting a new language has taken over
The horticulturist's dream—
And you still believe this, while drowsily
Sitting around vast, obsidian pools,
Ignoring the day's essentials, as riderless
Boats scud across the murky water.
Appears certain and composed,
Where people move with an ease
Of drifting waterlilies, as if suggesting
An oasis among mausoleums.
"Perhaps this isn't natural," you say,
Suspecting a new language has taken over
The horticulturist's dream—
And you still believe this, while drowsily
Sitting around vast, obsidian pools,
Ignoring the day's essentials, as riderless
Boats scud across the murky water.
Published 13th Apr 2019
| Edited 6th Jun 2019
Author's Note
Reflecting on my first, relatively brief, encounter with the city (September 2018.)
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likes 4
reading list entries 1
comments 6
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The author encourages honest critique.
13th Apr 2019 7:47am
i'm loving the dreary odd feeling next to the usual dreamscape of nature. <3
13th Apr 2019 5:33pm
Though I hope it's not overpowered with dreariness... but it sounds like I struck a balanced note of ambiguity (Haha.)
Where I'm from, I suppose we take parks centered around mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, etc. for granted. So an 'urban park' on this scale was like a beautiful illusion of nature. And remembering it drew mixed emotions.
Where I'm from, I suppose we take parks centered around mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, etc. for granted. So an 'urban park' on this scale was like a beautiful illusion of nature. And remembering it drew mixed emotions.
13th Apr 2019 9:48am
13th Apr 2019 5:34pm
17th Apr 2019 8:52pm
Coming from Brooklyn, I always found a park surrounded by the city a strange oasis, so I relate to your metaphor of an oasis surrounded by mausoleums, trees and grass, surrounded by buildings. In smaller and more distinct scale, a great tree with slabs of concrete on all sides, lifted by it's mighty roots. This is well rendered. Your writes have a thoughtful measure about them.
Daniel
Daniel
17th Apr 2019 11:19pm
I'm very glad to have the reaction of a NYC-resident (Haha,) and that you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Despite only seeing a small fraction of the park, thinking back on it many months later revealed this, not unpleasant, ambiguity. I especially love contrasts, such as the wildness of nature set against the restrained stone, mortar, and steel of city life.
Despite only seeing a small fraction of the park, thinking back on it many months later revealed this, not unpleasant, ambiguity. I especially love contrasts, such as the wildness of nature set against the restrained stone, mortar, and steel of city life.
