Seanan McGuire - Cartography lyrics

I know you; I met you A long, long time ago But you're still a stranger There's so much I don't know Can I walk across your borders? Will your guardsmen let me through? I have empty hands and pockets I intend no harm to you So tell me your stories And I might tell you mine; We're both getting closer To once upon a time Can I wander through your country Learn its secret history? I have never walked these marches But it feels like home to me We're each of us a nation on our own And I am a cartographer at heart I will chart the valley of your dreams, call the secrets from your stones If you don't want me to love you, then please don't let me start So trust me; believe me When I say I'll take care I can't come the whole way; I'll meet you halfway there Come and wander through my cities Meet the people I have been I have left my gates unguarded You are welcome, please, come in We're each of us a nation on our own And I am a cartographer at heart I will chart the valley of your dreams, call the secrets from your stones If you don't want me to love you, then please don't let me start I would love to learn your customs To be a tourist in your lands I would love to learn your language And teach you mine, so we'll both understand What we're trying to say... I know it's not easy To leave your doors unbarred It's never been easy -- It shouldn't be this hard We are each of us an island With our separate rocky shores But an island's not a prison -- That's what men make bridges for We're each of us a nation on our own And I am a cartographer at heart I will chart the valley of your dreams, call the secrets from your stones If you don't want me to love you, then please don't let me start If you don't want me to love you, won't you tell me not to start?