Embrace the Power of Words the Poem of the Week: Sunday Afternoon by Cori Lark (Featured in "Electric Ink: Writings of Cori Lark")

I invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty and depth of language through this captivating poem. Let the words evoke wonder, curiosity, and a quiet magic.

Poetry has a unique power to touch our hearts, stir emotions, and transport us to other worlds. It explores the depths of human experience and connects us profoundly. Through Poem of the Week, I celebrate poets' artistry, inspire you to embrace words in your life, and share how poetry can heal, uplift, and transform. I truly believe it can change lives—and I hope to ignite that spark in you.

Magic is alive and true. It can be sensed in many ways. Through poetry, it whispers wonders and weaves into our lives like a blooming tapestry, awakening to a new day.

This week's poem comes from the talented Cori Lark, whose work resonates deeply with themes of nature, spirit, and inner freedom. I took the accompanying photograph of the lovely Port Washington lighthouses on Lake Michigan—the serene, guiding lights that echo the poem's watery, breezy journey from a Green Bay, Wisconsin viewpoint.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

by Cori Lark

I sit in quiet ambivalence

through windowpane

Kaleidoscope images

envelope my brain

Airy wind chimes

whistle words

revealing

my name.

Breeze frees

my mind above

the earth

beneath

his golden rays.

Clouds glisten silver shadows—

Taunting mist near the bay.

A gust of wind—

dancing young,

though the day is late;

a playful tug

a push, a hug—it can carry me away.

I won't go far

I'll be safe

just a cruise by the lake—

then the air will lift me up

and bring me back to my birthplace . . .

I can see

she is thirsty,

soon it will rain.

Better still

because my will

is strengthened by the lake.

Up, up, out

glide up above

through the windowpane . . .

I am gone—

but I breathe—

in a silent state—

my dreams begin

the welcome wind

calling out my name—

Anahita she is with me

through my tranquil wake.

Traveling

like a stream . . .

Shore line shows the way—

Sweeping by evergreens

and over vast blue lake—

I am here

Here I am

My muse has led the way

I dive right in

Cool, slick,

Shape-shift into a snake—

The coast is clear

The sun shines down

Reflecting through the waves—

. . . distillate

Feel the water

Caress my inner shape . . .

Three summersaults

Swimming on

I am a mermaid—

I could swim to Michigan

Ra rests in western view—

He floats above the horizon

blending brilliant hues . . .

I hear the train

rolling through

gold valleys

green hills—

It's not far

Time ticks on

I am fresh and clean

Traveling

with the day

it has been good to me.

I may fly again this eve

beneath the silver moon,

Until then

a little swim

then back into

my room.

I thank the waves, the wind, the way—

Anahita bids good day—

Goddess, bless the trees—

the lake.

Goddess, bless my inner shapes.

© 2003 Cori Lark. All rights reserved.

What draws me to this poem is its effortless shape-shifting—from quiet observer to wind-borne dreamer, snake, mermaid, and back—guided by Anahita, the ancient Persian goddess of waters, fertility, healing, and wisdom. It captures that Sunday afternoon languor turning into transcendent escape, with the lake as both mirror and portal. The blend of elemental forces (wind, water, sun/Ra) feels so alive and restorative.

If you're craving more from Cori, check out her collection Electric Ink: Writings of Cori Lark—full of poetic gems like this.

What does this poem stir in you? Does it remind you of a favorite escape, a goddess figure, or a lazy lakeside afternoon? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or tag me on X

@TracyKubiayk with your own poetic reflections. You can also become a member of Twilight Letters (new member features coming soon). Check in for more Poem of the Week features, book spotlights, and magical word journeys.

Peace, love, and poetic breezes,

Tracy