Dear Arctic,

I came to you reluctantly, having already been bewitched by your southern cousin. The Antarctic had, I thought, claimed sole rights on my scientific curiosity and polar yearning. Yet, there is no denying your draw. The more I learned of your unique idiosyncrasies and vast unknowns, the more enticing you became. And, like so many generations before, the moment I sailed into your icy expanse, I was hooked.

 But now there is a sense of urgency underlying your frozen exterior. Even I, so new to you, can feel the palpable reality of your change. Born witness to the ripples this change has on the natural world, and perhaps even more dangerously, its people. I only hope that we can see this, and do better… before it is too late. 

All this is to say that you have not left me unscathed, but awoken a passion to give meaning to your unknowns and find understanding in your absolutes. I will be back.

Until then, 

Emelia