Moments in the Park
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Appreciation

The phrase Moments in the Park was originally used to describe short prose poems inspired by observations on walks through Horton Park and other outdoor spaces. Throughout 2016, I crafted Moments in the Park as a daily practice. I have continued to write Moments in the Park, just not as frequently as that first year.
Here you will find the prose poems as well as expansions telling the story of the inspiration, reflecting on a related theme, or digging deeper into learning about the subject.
I also hope that you will be inspired to create your own Moments in the Park, in words, images, sound, or whatever medium suits you. If you would like to share your creations, I would be happy to post them!
Share Your Moments

Moment: December 31, 2017, 9:00 a.m.

12/31/2017

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Sunlight gilds smooth snow, as an ancient artisan might have glorified a sacred statue.
Horton Park
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Moment: December 29, 2017, 7:45 a.m.

12/29/2017

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Thin strokes of snow outline the graceful sweep of elm branches spread wide, as though offering a benediction.
Horton Park

I like to think the benediction offered was one often used at St. Paul's United Church of Christ: "Remember that life is short. We do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk this way with us. So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind."
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Moment: December 27, 2017, 9:30 a.m.

12/27/2017

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On a bitterly cold morning, boilers run overtime, puffing out clouds that seize the low winter sun and churn with an incandescent glow.
Hamline Avenue
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Moment: December 23, 2017, 7:15 a.m.

12/23/2017

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An unexpected songbird’s daybreak chirping startles me to stillness.
Horton Park

With a temperature near zero, it was one of the brilliant, clear, crisp mornings that are the epitome of deep winter in Minnesota. Sun breaking over the horizon ricocheted off old snow polished by the wind to shiny smoothness. Walking through the park, listening to the hollow creaks and squeaks of snow under my boots, chirping birds were the last thing I expected to hear. 
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Moment: December 21, 2017, 5:00 p.m.

12/21/2017

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The sky is gray and flat,  yet trampled snow glows blue-white as light fades into the longest night.
My back yard
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Moment: December 20, 2017, 4:30 p.m.

12/20/2017

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A spruce veils herself in the lace of a leafless basswood, its pointed crown echoing her silhouette.
Hamline Ave.
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Moment: December 16, 2017, 10:00 a.m.

12/16/2017

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Live oaks spread above cobbles, their limbs as wrenched and twisted as the history they may have witnessed.
Congo Square, Louis Armstrong Park, New Orleans

In the early 19th century, slaves gathered in Congo Square on Sundays to dance and sing.
I don't know if the live oaks around the square are quite that old, but they do seem to have imbued the history of the place.

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Moment: December 14, 2017, 6:30 a.m.

12/14/2017

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Though the air is still, oak leaves curl toward the east, remembering the wind when they stiffened with the cold.
Horton Park
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Moment: December 11, 2017, 6:00 a.m.

12/11/2017

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From the corner of the untrammeled park, fresh snow spreads out before me in a blank sheet. With the thrill of a trailblazer, I take the first step.
Horton Park
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Moment: December 10, 2017, 7:15 a.m.

12/10/2017

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Like a man striving for a ruggedly handsome look, the sidewalk cultivates a stubble of scattered spruce needles.
Horton Park
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    Tracy Kugler

    Finding nature's beauty close to home.

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