Diary Found in Thomas’ Cabin

September 6, 2012

Alaska says Welcome. 

Now stop.

Do not walk

through my invisible frozen wall.

In Koetzebue, the trappers say, “Sourdough,

the Arctic Bush’ll digest your

yeasty starter, your buttery plans

and whittle what’s left of you into some alphabet

you won’t understand.”

Up here by Ulaneak Creek, there are only the stars

and they won’t talk to me

in any language,

except to say it’s hard to play this game

without dying.