Tourist

the village founded in 1732

is a short distance now

from your home down

the historic dirt road

that lays its faded claim

to remain unpaved and at curves

shaded by arching witness trees

of all the places to go

to visit by plane or ship to watch

the glaciers melt the oceans rise

the fierce white bears disappear

is it not better to just be here

tending the gardens in early morning

before summer's heat

and later when the sun is high

to make the short bumpy drive

to the resurrected country store

to enjoy a warm muffin and iced tea