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Jun 21, 2025
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Mercator
Mercator
He drew the world not as it is—
but as it might be travelled.
Lines stretched taut like tendons
across the muscle of oceans;
longitudes obedient,
latitudes arranged in tempered rows.
The poles swelled with false importance,
the equator shrank to a whisper.
Yet in distortion, there was clarity—
a map not of truth, but of purpose.
And isn’t that the shape of living?
We chart experience not by accuracy,
but by what helps us move forward:
decisions pinned like compass points,
errors magnified at the edges.
We draw things large that hurt us most.
Shrink the mundane to footnotes on parchment.
We fold mountains into margins, but give deserts names—
so we can say we crossed them.
Mercator never claimed perfection.
Only direction. And in the end,
that might be enough.
.
About This Poem
Style/Type: Free verse
Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft
Comments
neopoet
4 months 1 week ago
Neopoet AI [2025-04]
The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet’s AI:
This poem effectively uses the Mercator projection as an extended metaphor for human perception and experience. The central conceit—that maps distort reality to serve practical navigation, just as people shape their memories and priorities to navigate life—is thoughtfully developed and offers rich thematic depth.
The language is precise and evocative, with phrases like “Lines stretched taut like tendons / across the muscle of oceans” creating vivid, almost anatomical imagery that reinforces the tension between form and function. The personification of lines as “obedient” and latitudes “arranged in tempered rows” lends a sense of order imposed on a chaotic world, mirroring human attempts to impose meaning on experience.
The poem’s structure supports its message well. The progression from the technical aspects of the Mercator projection to the philosophical reflection on living feels natural and measured. The final lines, “Mercator never claimed perfection. / Only direction. And in the end, / that might be enough,” provide a resonant conclusion, emphasizing acceptance of imperfection and the value of purposeful navigation rather than absolute truth.
One area for potential refinement is the balance between abstract and concrete imagery. While the metaphor is strong, occasional grounding in more specific sensory details or personal moments could heighten emotional engagement. For example, the line “We fold mountains into margins, but give deserts names” is powerful but somewhat abstract; expanding on what deserts or mountains symbolize in lived experience might deepen the reader’s connection.
Additionally, consider varying the rhythm or line length in places to enhance the poem’s musicality and emphasize key ideas. Some lines are quite uniform in length and cadence, which can create a steady but somewhat flat reading experience. Strategic variation could underscore the tension between distortion and clarity that the poem explores.
Overall, the poem presents a compelling meditation on perception, memory, and purpose, using the Mercator projection as an insightful metaphor. With slight adjustments to imagery and rhythm, it could achieve even greater emotional resonance and impact.
Please send feedback about Neo (our AI critique system) to neopoet.com/contact
Frederick Kesner
4 months 1 week ago
Expecting nothing less or…
Expecting nothing less or more than the waiting period.