s.parker has been my poet moniker, though I have poems by sparks, @isparkit & S.L.Parker in forthcoming anthology AchtenTan: Land of Dust and Bone [and a few floating about by my generic given name (Sarah Parker)]. I’ve written academically under that name. Recent works will post to that twitter handle here.
What does poetry mean to you?
Poetry means play and understanding; I use it to air out that stinking up my mind, to process and build meaning as words unfold. It’s a glimpse and exploration. It’s a moment and expanded meaning. It’s the essential.
What inspires your poetry?
I’m inspired by a line, a word, a concept; something that I want to unwrap & I do so as I layer the lines; as I juxtapose, suppose & find repose in that which finds expression on the page.
Which are most important to you: (1) joy, (2) peace, (3) patience, (4) kindness, (5) self-control, (6) faithfulness, (7) gentleness, (8) love, or (9) goodness? If you can, explain why.
Peace is the most important because it centers. After that I’m gravitating towards joy as that can be found in many of the others and is a pure expression of love. While that might make the mention of love my third choice, I’d rather go with goodness as that’s a SOB that can manifest the remaining (and often elusive qualities) you supply here.
What sort of things are you looking forward to improving this year?
I want to improve step by step as I walk out day by day— life has many details and dimensions, and though I don’t always attune to them all, if I’m present and purposeful I’ll find my path.
What is one big dream you have?
I dream for my words to find their way into the world & into the hearts and consideration of those who might need or receive them.
Bro King
speaks to me
from measured
dis.stance, which echoes
of lives and love
of what lies low
trove of roam
Oh, I in.verse
as you invert tens.ions
streets speak of
fingers crossed
not lovers
but levers
for never have we ever ...
I’m imaging cohesion
when you only coincide