Nestled in the vast pine forest of northern Minnesota, my dog and I lay in a small two-man tent. It was the last night of our canoe journey. Slowly, we were awakened, a buzzing sound surrounded us and curiosity made us look outside. Blocking the view of the lake and giant pine trees, were a zillion white flies. More individual life forms than I had ever seen before in one place. I found out later they live that one night and all die after eggs are spread. Shortly after this trip, I was looking for a closest of close friend I hadn’t seen in years. I was to apologize for something. Two years earlier, he had died. I never knew.

Circles engulf us
Never knowing where we are
Death remembers all