Although Parks has done other books that combine his poetry and images, this new title A Star for Noon stands out for two reasons. First, it has a distinct and universal theme: romantic love. Parks has combined eighteen poems (composed for this book) with 65 exquisite female nudes and still lifes, to create a lyrical and unabashedly romantic homage to the beauty of women. And, secondly, he plans to incorporate within the book a CD of his own music, specially composed and performed by him to accompany this lovely work. The poems follow loosely the arc of a romance -- from the first attraction into passion, conflict, loss and a renewed connection with the beloved. About half the photographs are previously unpublished. The female nudes are both sensuous and reverential; the rich colors ...