Once I plotted my course

on nautical charts -

I used the sun and stars

to fix

                my position in the world

 

Once my ship sailed the seas

by my compass course -

I drew lines on a map

to guide

                me through far off seas to port

 

Once I was the pilot

steering from the bridge -

But she altered my course

loving

                me so much I could not leave

 

Then I was a sailor

on her lovely coasts -

I learned to sail her seas

mapping                                                                                  

                her harbours and constant tides

 

Then I was the great ship

on her inland sea -

I drew lines on her skin

to chart                                                                                    

                love's course in roiling waters

 

Then dark clouds hid the skies

and our locus lost -

I scanned my perfect charts

to find

                safe ports but could only fail

 

Now, I live with no maps

plot no charted course -

I drift with the currents

to float

                a lone sail on the world's edge