the cartographer's gold

gold: north
a metaphor
a transformation into light
a realization
arms spread
to soar
and to enfold

gold: south
a standard
a sacrificial lamb
a price on a head
dead desert land
worlds falling apart
a golden calf
a perfect ritual bow
a knowing smile

west:
stymied and stuttering
second rate
second place
we suck their leftovers
through a straw

east:
a steed
a prince
an immaculate reign
a hand on an arm
a push and a threat
a sword raised
a price paid
a heart betrayed
a face portrayed
her portrait
delicate and true
will pierce
his impervious armor