Issue Two - October 2001

Returning to Alaska

By White Bear Woman

Today I head north over water,
following something blindly
into the wilderness of ocean,
following something as primitive as love.
At mid-life the need to draw breath once more
on the keen edge of adventure
is strong, compelling.
I return to Alaska as the salmon return,
drawn there by instinct,
unimproved by all my accomplishments,
my body, fish like, changing color and shape,
gnarly and intense.
I remember mermaid shapeliness,
all silver and firm moving out into this life.
I remember unrelenting restlessness,
a drunkenness of spirit.
Now I move with steadfastness,
a long sobriety of purpose,
into the coldest waters
through which we all return
to the most sacred place.

Copyright 2001 White Bear Woman

White Bear Woman has been writing poetry for most of her life. She has also been a university teacher, a carpenter, a cook on a fishing boat, a kayak guide, a licensed masseuse, a restaurant owner and more. Whatever she does, she doesn't dabble; she plunges all the way in. "I follow my passion and my heart and they've led me through my life," she says. "I haven't stayed on one path because different things have gotten my attention. That's where my poetry comes from --that place." She has had five books of poetry published.

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