In "Northern Compass, " a debut collection of poetry by Isobel Cunningham, readers embark on a voyage. They visit Montreal, the Canadian island city poised in the mighty St. Lawrence River and San Miguel, the Mexican winter retreat of the author. Shining observations of everyday wonders and acute examinations of the mysteries of the human heart allow the reader to navigate the inner world of ecstasy, pain and gentle insight. These poems, lyrical or narrative, escort us to new destinations.