In Exile

What does it mean
to be in exile,
when there is no foreign army
no conquering horde
coming over the battlements
when the season of exile
is in the commonplace
where you thought you belonged
where life took you
adrift on the path
you thought was your chosen one
when others altered the map
the chart, the heading for the sails
and shoals were in your way
brackish water on the left
a storm on the right
hung up on the rocks
waiting for the tide
or a different wind
to change the stagnant now.

October 15, 2007 12:25