You Looked at the Map R.W. Haynes

You Looked at the Map

You looked at the map of our affection and saw An episode, a sketch that something had drawn For a brief entertainment before we were gone. Remembering outlines suggests a plainer law: A cautionary caveat that denies The heart-shocks of beauty, the mystical force Charging our action to follow its lusty course; Whatever prudence argues, this force defies. It was the rhythm when you turned your head, Or the enigmatic magic at times in your voice That thrilled the demons and made them all rejoice; When angels call, they run away instead. You looked at that map and slowly turned away, But I still imagine you see it today.

R. W. Haynes