“Nurture” by Maxine Kumin (1989)

The titular poem in Kumin’s collection, “Nurture” represents Kumin’s respect for the natural world and calls attention to the need to value and care for all species. Reading this poem will give one a clearer understanding of Kumin’s collection as a whole and how “In the Park” fits into the collection’s argument and purpose.

“Song” by Maxine Kumin (1962)

Part of Kumin’s earlier works, “Song” is a poem that clearly showcases Kumin’s pastoral roots. Referencing several elements of nature (horse hooves, wing beats) and rural farm life (rising bread, faraway train horns), this poem is a strong representation of Kumin’s use of the rural New Hampshire landscape in her poems to draw on deeper themes surrounding life and death.

“After Apple-Picking” by Robert Frost (1914)

Robert Frost, an iconic American poet of the 20th century, also wrote poems inspired by the landscapes of rural New England. Kumin’s poetry has often been compared to Frost’s because of this and the fact that they both share a keen, observant eye. “After Apple-Picking” explores the act of picking apples, but more largely explores topics such as the passing of time, lost youth, and the coming of the end of one’s life.