Lost among the floes, the Arctic twilight no more 

Than a remembrance of summer, my wit abandoned 

To the hunt, I am a fool caught in a world that has 

Become unfamiliar. Many days and many nights 

I have stood by this hole, spear poised. Now that 

I turn for home empty-handed I find my sled tracks 

Lost to the wind. The sky is white, the earth is white. 

For the want of a seal I will perish. Fear grips my gut 

When hours ago I felt only hunger. I am ashamed 

To be a man caught out, ashamed to have lost my way, 

Ashamed that I will join my ancestors weak and hungry. 

Is it my destiny to lose my bearings while hunting seals? 

I will put faith in my dogs. I will give them their lead. 

I will follow. Together we will live, or together we will die.