Dowser

Once I was proudly regarded

as the foremost geographer of You:

I surveyed the careful topography

as I mapped your features anew,

measured each promontory encountered,

and charted every defile.

Many times had I plumbed for your treasures

and glad had continued my earthy research.

And I knew I could move

my stretched willow out

to discover the sweet waters below.

But now that I live in exile from You,

now that your landscape has gone,

I find it was not your true geomancy I’d learned.

For though I’m sure that it was your well I discerned,

I never divined the source.

--Duane Vorhees