Notes About The Poem

12/10/2025 for A Garland of Tankas Poetry Contest sponsored by John Anderson

Odyssey

With two compasses,
I navigate the waters, 
asking myself why
my friendship compass points North,
while my lovers piece points South.

To be authentic
is so very difficult. 
Why do I accept 
impostures and substitutes
in both myself and others? 

After two marriages,
a lifetime of reflection,
alas, to be here, 
admitting that I'm clueless, 
or I'm just afraid of love.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Wolf Avatar
December 10, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Well, David, please take solace in the fact that no single man has ever come close to figuring out women... And to think that people think King Solomon was the smartest man who ever lived --- He was so stupid that he had somewhere between 700 - 1,800 wives, depending on one's sources. ~ gw
Crandall Avatar
December 11, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Thanks, Gershon! Wow, that must be some kind of record. He must have been blessed with so many opportunities to receive constructive criticism. I guess I'd have to question his brains based on that chopping the baby in half idea he had...well, now that I know his circumstances, I guess I can understand - he must've been under a lot of pressure.
Etgen-Baker Avatar
December 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
wow, great string of Tankas and contest entry.
Crandall Avatar
December 11, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Thanks, Sara!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace