Lines of Sight

by Jenny Larks

LINES OF SIGHT

Eye level with the squirrels, through

a nose-printed window, I am seen

by skyward-shooting gray trunks of truth,

far below their cathedral’s height of green.

I blush to remember my first gawking stance,

Grimacing at the dated 70s split-level. Who knew

there was treasure behind cedar and brick?

The straight and tall trees, leaves mosaic set in blue-

Promised this house would be a home with a view.

A robin hops on the retaining wall, looking

for worms under remains of last fall’s showcase.

Freed from the hillside these moss-covered boulders,

unburdened, protect the earth in its place.

Distracted from work, it hits me like a rock-

My desk’s view is in line with the roots.

Hearty oak veins, to eternity reaching, ensure

they – and I – breathe deep of timeless attributes.

Our three-year-old lab tap-taps the glass, asking

for lunch – the kids soon will be, too. Work time up,

I climb the stairs, past gold linoleum and well-worn treads.

Sensing something new, the way fertile soil erupts-

I see acorns sprout from my contented life’s cup.  

JENNY LARKS

Jenny Snarski—writing creatively as Jenny Larks—is a writer, wife, mother of four in Northwest Wisconsin. She lives life as an adventure of discovery and discernment—with the occasional detour.

Writing for the Diocese of Superior’s Catholic Herald since 2017, Jenny has recently re-engaged with her passion for poetry as applicable art and a tool for transcendent living. She is also promoting the poetry and work of renowned 20th century poet and college president Sr. Madeleva Wolff, CSC—a buried treasure for our times. Jenny’s first published poetry is forthcoming with Wingless Dreamer. Discover more at www.jennylarks.com.