In The Park

“In the Park” is a 1961 lyric poem by Australian poet and librettist Gwen Harwood that is frequently anthologized. The poem considers the intimate feelings that women face regarding motherhood and marriage, topics not often directly addressed during the time in which Harwood composed the poem. "In the Park" also touches on Harwood's interest in music; her skeptical attitude toward sonnets is reflected in the poem's in the form, rhyme scheme, and word choices.

Poet Biography

Gwendoline Nessie Foster Harwood was born on June 8, 1920 in a suburb outside of Brisbane, Australia. Her grandmother brought poetry into Harwood's life. Her father, a secretary and a multi-instrumentalist, encouraged Harwood's interest in piano. After being an assistant piano instructor, Harwood became an organist for All Saints’ Anglican Church, where she met Reverend Peter Bennie, an intellectual mentor who introduced her to Lieutenant Thomas “Tony” Riddell, a kindred spirit in music and poetry. Harwood would later dedicate many of her poetry collections to Riddell.

At age 21, Harwood experimented with several career paths: She briefly entered a Franciscan convent and then taught music at St. Christopher’s Church of England School for Boys for five months. After WWII broke out, she became a clerk for the War Damage Commission, working there until 1945.