8 hours ago
Where the Heart Is
The world isn't really much
bigger than this map, he said.
It is precisely hand drawn
on yellowing paper, inscribed
with detailed descriptions.
He points to all the places
he's been, where they are
all within walking distance
of the only home he's known.
He laid out his entire life
intentionally- some places
highlighted, others struck through.
As you walk beside him
on the trail by the creek
he stops, at a large old oak-
initials fading, yet clear.
I always knew that girl
would be my wife.
Further up, you cross on flat stones
where the creek is shallow, winding
with the path through tall sycamores.
You come to a small white church
marked with a heart. Behind it
a headstone circled in red. He carefully
folds the map; hands it to me, gently.
It's yours now, son-
you'll know where to find me.
The world isn't really much
bigger than this map, he said.
It is precisely hand drawn
on yellowing paper, inscribed
with detailed descriptions.
He points to all the places
he's been, where they are
all within walking distance
of the only home he's known.
He laid out his entire life
intentionally- some places
highlighted, others struck through.
As you walk beside him
on the trail by the creek
he stops, at a large old oak-
initials fading, yet clear.
I always knew that girl
would be my wife.
Further up, you cross on flat stones
where the creek is shallow, winding
with the path through tall sycamores.
You come to a small white church
marked with a heart. Behind it
a headstone circled in red. He carefully
folds the map; hands it to me, gently.
It's yours now, son-
you'll know where to find me.