Poem from Cindy’s forthcoming poetry collection, "Leave No Trace: Journeys in Geography"—permission granted to use for Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence Gallery only.
They say Isle Royale is an isolated wilderness
But I say you can learn to be an island
Without ever coming to one.
That said: Once you are here
You carry this place within you forever
Yes. Like it or not. You do.
This community of living things
In its intricate diversity and simplicity
Is part of your story now.
Terror and tranquility coexist
Long-limbed moose calf
Wolf howling over her cache of bones
Wind, waves, currents, fog
Shoals of small fishes,
Stars that fall in the night
Gull shrieks. Utter darkness.
Berries like drops of blood
Some luscious and ripe
Others promise sweet oblivion.
One taste of this place tells you what you want to know.
See the lights across the lake?
Soon, the winds will blow you back to
Warmth. Wheels. White noise.
And yet
When you least expect it
The island will call to you
Echo of loon
Sudden memory of seiche
Footsteps in the forest
Or a squall that conjures up
Everything here.
Close this chapter
But know
Because you came to this island
You belong to its story
You can never be erased
It belongs to your story
It is written on your heart.
Return to Cindy's Page
Read Cindy's Essay Isle Royale Transitions
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