The Chart of Tenderness

On all the charts devised by mariners,
Past oceans crossed by Phaeton’s carriers,
Lie lands which, like Atlantis, are unknown,
Before which fearless seamen have been known

To turn about, afraid to be alone
In nameless seas, tormented by the moan
Of nameless winds and ghosts. And, so too, I
Flee far from the Terrae Incognitae

Which on my Chart of Tenderness do lie,
Barring the way to Love Explorat’ry.
We must content ourselves with Common Sense
Yet founder not in Lake Indifference.