During my younger days
I was given an object
which travelled with me around the world.
In it dreams have been made and lost.

It never complied with the wind and rain,
stayed strong even in the snow,
following the footsteps of the owner,
becoming parched paper.

Like a ruler sunk in the depths of the sea
so entwined was object with owner
a world traveller –

The map marked everything off its list.
Another country, done and dusted.
Dreams and desires fulfilled.