Magellan

I see the maps, watch you navigate – 
you will always find the shortest route 
between two points, I know – 
but no straight line can satisfy 
this wind over water 

or a thousand meandering coastlines, 
curving latitude and longitude
and currents marked ‘adventure’.

The ocean is a shade of blue perfection.
The map, folded in my hand, is salt
and something like tears.


© 2019 Susan Chambers