We are the invisible X on the map
We live on the graphic
Next to the blue line
We are the unnumbered route
Near the capital star
You would never know
We are so many
Thousands
That on the red road
Somewhere
Is the shopping mall
That on the unnamed parallel
We walk our dogs
That at every coordinate
Someone grieves
In calculated silence
That one of us plots revenge
Against the blameless
And larcenous alike
That someone hides her intentions
Of taking a one-way trip
By averting her eyes
Because she knows you cannot stop
What is not perceived
© Sweepy Jean and Sweepy Jean Explores the (Webby) World, 2013
Comments on: "Geographical Ideations (poem)" (24)
Serious and with often a sudden reverse azimuth
Azimuth, I like it. Thanks for stopping by, Doug.
So very true Adrienne. We all occupy spots. Human frailty juxtaposed against linear coordinates. Unique words here.
And every spot represents humanity. Thanks, Cath.
Seriously creative, intriguing as well, Adriene! Good think piece!
Thanks, Jo, I appreciate you stopping by.
As always love the way your words flow.You always hit home!
I appreciate it, Rimly. Thanks, xox
Powerful piece and truly titled. Anyone could pop at any time, but it takes long abuse to be willing to sign up for the one-way trip. Revenge is such a Pyrrhic victory. Those averted eyes must be bottomless pits of grief.
Thank you, and yes indeed to all.
You stark prose is full-bodied, graphic, and is never bland. The word choices and presentation lend to the image of the X. I am intrigued by grieving in calculated silence. Stunning.
Thanks so much, Brenda. I think there is as much power in silence as there is in any sound.
Hello, Beautiful! ~
This is a powerful piece — juxtaposing personal space within a larger context. It reminds me very much of the work of a painter friend of mine, Neil Johnston, so much so that you may be interested in checking out his work at https://www.facebook.com/Paintstew
A brief excerpt from his artist statement: “I respond to, and attempt to comprehend, the relationships between image, space, and time, through my painting. I believe that my work is more than just a concept of landscape; it explores the changing thoughts of place, perspective and identity.”
Thanks so much, Linda. I’m a huge admirer of the visual arts, so I’m very interested in checking Neil out.
This made me think how small we are when it comes to thinking about the size of the world and the universe, yet how each of us is special, unique, and loved by God. Fantastic poem, Adrene!
Thanks so much, Martha. The world is all about perspective.
When I see a map I often wonder about all the hidden stories lost among all those lines, figures, and words, and your poem reminded me of this. I often feel sad about the fact that we will probably never know about them. The people, their circumstances, what they do and why they do it: entire lives lost to memory.
There are so many lives unknown to us, even among people we know.
great write. Intuitive and well described truth.
Much appreciated! <3
fantastic work! Looking forward to digging into the other poems!
Thanks so much, Josh!
Adriene,
The aspect of this piece that I appreciated most was how you progressed from our mutual anonymity to a very particular, personal struggle.
Very Nicely Done …
Scott L.
Nicely observed. Thanks so much, Scott!