Today's poem is by Erica Goss

Geography
       

We think a map owes us something. We blame it
when we get lost. Even so we keep looking at it,

as if, somehow, it will give in and show us
the way. Find things in me, it says. Look closer.

A map is never the wrong map. A map of lakes is also a map of clouds.
There are star maps, faith maps, trail maps, life maps, love maps,

mind maps. On urban maps, highways spread out
from the center of town like cracks in glass. When I

bring a map an inch from my face, cities double
and then disappear. If a country has debts it cannot

pay, you can tell by its shape on a map. On maps,
weak countries surround strong ones like starving dogs.

Maps watch you, talk to you, tell others where you are.
They shine from your pockets like little suns.

There is no loneliness like a map. Take me
with you, it says. Don't leave me here alone.

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Copyright © 2023 Erica Goss All rights reserved

Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission