Dear Arctic,

It feels like I have always known you. As a child, I dreamt about you. Each occasion that I had to hear about you, read, or discover pictures from you was mesmerizing. And at the same time, you were so far away, inaccessible, cold, and distant. 

I have met you for the first time as a teenager, just a glimpse, a short meeting. But in the crowd, in the unexpected landscape, I have found you and your smile in the summer light was the most precious gift you gave me. But I was young, shy, and insecure, and my path took another direction away from you. I kept inside me the promise to come back, not sure how and when, I knew somehow, I was going to come back to you. 

Years later, I’m here beside you, holding your hand, looking at the summer colors on your face. You are very different than during our first meeting, but we all change with seasons. I have learnt so much about you, I have met so many people incredibly dedicated to you, people who spent their life searching for you. Such a joy to find you again, to play and laugh together, to whisper and listen to your stories, to look at your changing shape every day. You are amazing, and I will never get tired of your beauty. 

I have heard your song, I have heard your laugh, I have heard your cry. Even if the time spent together is made with joy and happiness, I have seen your pain. You appear strong and healthy, but behind the appearance, you are so fragile. I want to be here for you, I want to help and find the words to make people aware of your distress. What can I do? My worries and my tears alone won’t be enough to save you… I can only promise to spread my love for you wherever I go. For you, the Arctic. 

Radiance