The Poetic city and summer sizzlers: “Context for a Walk in Audubon Park”

Jul 25, 2022 • Creative Writing

Editor’s Note: 85% of the US population owns a smartphone(statista). This adds to the constant busyness of lives and makes it hard to unplug; it can also lead to unneeded stress. According to a 2019 study published in Scientific Reports, spending at least 120 minutes in nature a week is associated with good health and decreased stress (White et al). In other words, sometimes we are in need of a stroll through the park, so that’s what we’re giving you. The following is a collection of articles about different parks in New Orleans. The collection features historical articles, talking about the history of different parks; informative articles, featuring different events that can be attended at parks; and creative writing that draws inspiration from the park’s beauty. Our goal through curating this selection was to give anyone the ability to take a virtual stroll through the park. We hope this collection provides a much needed disconnect from the world, and inspires you creatively. This piece was originally published on Oct 24, 2017.

Audubon Park (photo by: Chad Carson)

“Context for a Walk in Audubon Park”

by: Reece Burka

When I awoke to a text from a friend

bearing the news that every atom in

my body had been on an extended journey

through stars, planets, and countless organisms

before becoming a part of me, I felt honored.

The thought of myself as entirely composed

of these tiny travelers produced a sense of

cosmic value that I hadn’t realized I possessed.

I had already learned that matter arises

from the dust of exploding stars; but the idea of

each atom crossing the immensity of space

and time as a separate entity seemed to make

everything quite special.

My wife folding laundry, the dog

chasing the cat, the dishes in

the sink, and even my unmade bed

were all imbued with the spark, twinkle,

and mystery of the nighttime sky.

Every object appeared energized by everything

that went before it, all the way back to the Big Bang.

So, I am sure you can imagine how glorious

it was when I took my daily walk-in-the-park

later that Sunday afternoon.

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