it is 10 pm and i sit on our deck watching
the bright white light of Venus
moving slowly across
the night's twinkling sky
diverse thoughts run through
the rooms of my mind
each struggling for dominance

the title of the unread book
flashes through my mind
and the need for direction
becomes obvious

i search for the Big Dipper
finding it i move on
to the Little Dipper
which points the way
and there it is, Polaris
as if affixed over
the top of our world
the flag bearer
signaling celestial directions
for all to see
and find their way

as if man would ever
find his way
using directions
established at such a distance
so other devices have
been created to provide guidance

my compass glows
in this star lit sky
pointing the way
but i see the pointer
finding a different spot
it calls north

the compass needle quivers slightly
not unlike the way i tremble
as i approach you
wondering if
i draw near too quickly

and yesterday i recall
seeing the globe
with all its lines
circling round and round
meeting at the top
claiming the exact position
of the north pole

but directions like Polaris
are never precise after all
the shine travels
far in trying to unravel
light years of instructions
so be a little skeptical if
a needle much smaller
than i, would shake
while pointing
to your hand
let alone moving
towards your lips

so if i stutter, stammer,
seem disoriented in a manner
it may be Venus
with her bright heart
or pass it off
as not quite being sure
where true north
really is found

07/30/2008