Poetry as a Map
By Alexander Etheridge
• • •
In twelve lines I’ll find my way back
though I stumble in the outskirts
on a plane of thorny stars and wolf tracks
though I stumble in the outskirts
on a plane of thorny stars and wolf tracks
The fourth line is a primitive map
The fifth is a kerosene lamp
and by its light I can sense
being quietly shepherded
The eighth is a promise
my only possession now
The way back is through grim frozen peaks
I was always ready
Now I take my leave
• • •
Alexander Etheridge has been developing his poems and translations since 1998. His poems have been featured in The Potomac Review, Museum of Americana, Ink Sac, Welter Journal, The Cafe Review, The Madrigal, Abridged Magazine, Susurrus Magazine, The Journal, Roi Faineant Press, and many others. He was the winner of the Struck Match Poetry Prize in 1999, and a finalist for the Kingdoms in the Wild Poetry Prize in 2022. He is the author of God Said Fire and Snowfire and Home.
