maps

maps

 

your heart draws crude maps

to places your mind says don’t

exist.

 

street signs refuse to admit

to fraud.

 

God, it seems, will not

explain anything.

 

fame ruins everyone

it touches.

 

there is no conspiracy,

just Santa Claus lies

and Tooth Fairy quarters

on which to sharpen

cynical fangs.  

 

a pulse is the first indicator

that you’re lost.

 

a roadside stranger with kind

intentions gently explains the problem.

 

“You can’t get there from here.”

Reviews

[erik_nihil]

Dude, that was a great first line for a poem, and a great last line. The middle filled the road with existential wanderings that lead logically to the gut-punch conclusion. I like the fact that the only capitalized words were 'God,' 'Santa Claus,' 'Tooth Fairy,' and the 'You' spoken by the good-intentioned stranger. All creations of kindly-intentioned strangers. But for what reasons? To get us there, or just to keep us from feeling lost? I got a lot from this one, SK. Good job.

[Cocoacandy]

*smile* i like how this poem turned out... well written and easy to read. Good work!
*cocoabean*

[freelancejouster]

well isn't that... hopeless. you can't get there from here indeed. you've captured so much in so little.

[.]

Great lines in the middle also!!! the journey is mapped out or free roaming is allowed? I think the latter..what help would it really been to know the outcome..if you are powerless to change anything..no fate sucks..I am in control of my destiny!! Thought provoking and interesting concept..loved it..

[MuSe Ampoule]

And even if you had a map...you won't have a compass at the same time. tsk, tsk.

Awesome write. I'm always in awe of you're talent to take the most mudane things and turn them into magnificence. always.
"a pulse is the first indicator
that you’re lost."

[OT]

ah the circularity - start wherever you'll end up back, rhetoric almost! the fifth stanza is very inspired! but it's the last line which just makes it for me!! very nice as always!!

[Kerry O'Connor]

So true - each and every part of the equation - and it all adds up to zero.

[Peter Joseph Swanson]

Cool!