MAP STUDY

A map is a wonderful traveler’s tool.
It points out north, east, south and west.
It shows you the way
From Des Moines to L.A.
And the highway route that’s best.

For every line on the map is a road;
Every dot is a village or town.
And the big colored squares
Are cities, where mayors
Govern thousands of people, sans crown.

If you want to go from New York to the Gulf,
Or from Hannibal, MO to Big Bend,
Google-earth to begin,
Then MapQuest it in.
But take with you a faithful map friend.

Along your way, when checking the map,
Take some time to look around.
For along every highway,
Cowpath or byway,
Adventure and beauty abound.

And in every city, village and town
Are folks who therein dwell.
Saints and sinners;
Losers and winners.
And each has a story to tell.

Just think of the tales that wait to be told;
Shouted loud, or whispered aside.
In dialects and drawls,
Strange tongues and ‘y’alls.’
And all with the same hometown pride!

So, more than a guide for travel,
A map is a library door
To human stories
Of follies and glories
That make the journey mean more!

9/9/08 - mshr

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