Nanook

T’was up in the north one cold blustery night.
When Nanook the Eskimo made his last flight.
His death, though sad, was not in vain.
Foe he was searching for the downed Cessna plane.

On board the plane were his son and his wife.
His reasons for living his love, his life.
He knew this area like the back of his hand.
For thirty one years he had traveled this land.

Maps, food, and medicine weighted his sleigh.
As Nanook the Eskimo set out on his way.
His sleigh was lead by his fearless dog.
His other companions: snow, darkness, and fog.

Breaking the stillness was the one word “mush”.
Then everything was so quiet, so quiet, so hush.
Onward he went into the blood chilling cold.
He was looking for treasure- his family- not gold.

The wind was so cold; everyday was a fight.
Between him and the wolves; a survival test each night.
So intent was his search day and night became one.
His heart wrenching quest for his wife and his son.

Five days had passed, but yet still he kept on.
Driven by some force, a love, a love oh so strong.
“Please God help me!” as to his knees he sank.
Alone so alone with snow bank on snow bank.

He lifted his head; and heaved a painful sigh.
There, over the ridge the Cessna did lie.
Scrambling to his feet, over the ridge he went.
Like a man crazed with hope, a hope so intent.

Over the wreckage death loomed like a big black cloud.
He screamed toward heaven with a voice – oh so loud.
“Why God! Oh God! So good, and so giving.
Have you taken away my reasons for living?”

His wife and his son no longer breathed life.
Their fate had been sealed- they no longer felt strife.
He lay down beside them and closed his eyes.
At sometime or other- everyone dies.

Their bodies were found about a year ago now.
People keep wondering and questioning how.
A man, like Nanook, could just give up on life.
But his strength was gone- his son and his wife.

Legend has it if one looks up to the sky.
Beyond the stars oh so very, very high.
One can see what appears as a far distant land.
With Nanook, his wife and son, walking hand in hand.