Going Off-Map

With a compass and companion

Can we hold up a sec?
Let’s pause a moment here
to check the map we brought
and see just where we are.

This looks to be a point
we always planned to reach
from when we first set out
together on this hike.

There’s comfort in this place
of views we seem to know
but nothing like we thought
when first we laced our boots.

Have we gone in circles,
misled by weathered signs,
to pass right by this spot
we should have stopped before?

We’ve been to many places
with our spirits lifted.
Yet—the feeling lingers.
Is this the place we sought?

Did we overlook a blaze
somewhere far behind us,
arriving where we should,
despite the landmarks used?

Let’s put this map aside,
agree to keep on walking
along this misty road
to see what's meant for us.

for Lisa on her birthday, December 6