MTA Poetry in Motion "A Map of the World" by Ted Booser

I had forgotten about reading new poems in the NYC subways when I discovered this treasure of a poem by American poet Ted Booser:

One of the ancient maps of the world
is hand shaped, carefully drawn
and once washed with bright colors,
though the colors have faded
as you might expect feelings to fade
from a fragile old heart, the brown map
of a life.  But feeling is indelible,
and longing infinite, a starburst compass
pointing in  all directions
to lovers might go, a fresh breeze
swelling their sails, and future uncharged,
still far from the edge
where the sea pours into the stars.

Booser (b 1939) has received the Pulitzer Prize and named a US Poet Laureate.  This quiet poem with clear metahpors speaks directly to the spirit of love in a straightforward manner that is refreshing & deeply stirring.  I couldn't help but feel touched that regardless of age, love's memories are etched forever and are always open to the infinite possibilities for rediscovery.  This poem with its simple eloquence, roused feelings of tenderness.