EDIT:  Finally, a title! {27 August 2007}

Surely
maps are useful for plotting,
determining distances
between two (or more) points
across oceans
and beyond territorial lines.
But we have no need for maps,
you and i,
as no cartographer
can trace the meridians
                   of memory that originates
           from your soul
   to mine;
the latitudes
 of longing, and the longitudes
                                 of loneliness

that measure  unconditional love.

 this exercise
of graphing the landscape of our hearts will go on:

 until the day we find ourselves again in the vicinity
 of each other

 --once and for all.


(For my mother, and for my best friend Pao, to the United Arab Emirates, and to New York, from Manila, with all of me. This is also for those with loved ones overseas, especially to the children of OFWs.)