Map Dreaming

By Judith Yarrow

Malacca, Niger, Bahia, Tunis.
Map names ring with promises:
adventure, treasure, truth.
Perhaps I'll trace an ancient road
across the flat, white rocks of Aksai Chin.
Or maybe I'll search the ruins
of Corfu, burnt-out light and barren hills,
azure water on rocks grinding
the waves into a sandy froth.
Or someday walk along Kyoto's
narrow alleys, step aside to let
a geisha pass, cobbled shadow, sensuous,
clattering step. In the pause I'll map
myself against her, woman for woman,
spinning the world between us.

©1998 Judith Yarrow

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