Self Portrait
By Kara L.C. Jones

Clarity of the portrait
is directly proportional
to the ebb and flow
of self esteem
as it rolls in
on high tide
or drains away
with low tide
leaving in its wake
a trail of seaweed and kelp
stranded in the sun
destine to break down
into smelly stench,
the price you pay
for living on the waterfront.

Kara lives on Vashon Island which is a much more awesome place than she ever imagined it would be. She is a poet, bookmaker, wife, teacher, bereaved mom, facilitator, receptionist, founder, struggling p.t.barnum, turtle faithful, editor, artist, and a million other things that will prevent you from putting her in any one particular label box! Kara teaches through local art centers, artists in the schools programs, KotaPress and independently. To find out more about her, see:

http://www.KotaPress.com/kara/karajones.htm

And her class Expanding Poetry is now available in an online format from CourseBridge.com where you can register today at:

http://www.coursebridge.com/html/courses/writing/cbep01.asp