Quoetry: A Poem Inspired by a Quote

It is Not Down on Any Map

- True places never are

Photo by Khamkéo on Unsplash

“It is not down on any map, true places never are” — Herman Melville

It is not down on any map,
true places never are.
You’ll never find an airport there,
and not get there by car.

You’ll have to find a local guide,
who knows his way around.
It isn’t on the tourist route,
or close to any town.

This place is off the beaten track,
where few before have passed.
Be well prepared in case you’re lost —
enough supplies to last.

The location is protected —
its landscape quite unspoiled.
So, please tread lightly on the Earth —
God’s wrath can’t be uncoiled.

Dangers may lurk around each bend,
but it is worth the risks.
You could be sitting safe at home,
eating potato crisps.