From Written in Stone © 2006 A. Jones
Mapping Skills

When I get home from Atlanta
I have to grocery shop.
It’s been so long since I
cooked
I can’t remember
what I eat.

When I get home from Maryland
I work out every day
do the laundry
cut my hair
juice carrots
light candles
crack a bottle of red
and do not leave the house.

When I get home from Florida
the season has changed
and leaps, gift-wrapped,
into my arms.
I swear I’ll never leave
the Fall behind
again

even knowing that,
by and by,
the promise will break
like the ice in Spring.

The road is tedious and hard
under its shiny veneer.
It gives us stories
of amazing grace

and keeps the applause

in its place.