Directions

I don’t think my brain has been properly packed.

I’m missing some vital connection.

My other five senses may well be intact

but I’m missing a sense of direction.

I can’t name the cities that lie to the south,

I can’t tell the east from the west.

I start to get nervous and dry in the mouth

when I sit a geography test.

So if you are after directions from me

dismiss the idea from your head,

unless on your trip from town A to town B

you’re prepared for a stop-off at Z.

Jenny Erlanger

First published in “Giggles and Niggles” (Haddington Press, 2007)

• Submitted in response to Poetry Prompt #18