Elizabeth Bishop, "Washington as a Surveyor"

Lord, I discovered when I discovered love
That day a continent within the mind,
Unstable on the sea, boundaries unlined
Which now I slowly take the measure of.
The coast’s determined; the mountains do not move;
Natural harbors and clear springs I find,
Shade trees and fruit trees, everything of its kind—
Even for an empire more resources than enough.
My favorite flowers, besides, some of eadh,
Yes, and wild animals who stand and stare;
Rivers that run beyond my present reach
The other way, and clouds that glitter in the air.
Love’s flag quickly I planted on the beach
While I explored, but the one I love is not there.


Elizabeth Bishop

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