This poem was written by Larry Beck in the style of Robert Service. I found it to be extremely powerful because it again tells the incredible feeling of being captured by Alaska. It is just like having one's heart captured by a "Wondrous One," one's soul-mate, or life-long help meet. This is one of Larry Beck's many original poems, after the style of Robert Service. Larry wrote a number of poems in that style which performed in Alaska, all over the country, and on the "Today Show." He is also shown with President George Bush and Senator Ted Stevens, so he was known by many for his incredible performances. Larry Allan Beck (1935-1990) Mr. Beck was a performer who worked to promote tourism to the 49th state. That work led to his appointment by Governor Keith Miller in 1972 as "Alaska's Ambassador of Good Will." He was not only a performer of the first rank but was also an authority on Alaska, the North and its gold rush history. He had a career of writing, reciting, singing, recording and traveling the world over. He wrote 6 books of poetry, recorded eight audiotapes and completed over 10 documentary films on various historical interests of Alaska. He was also in the first graduating class for West Anchorage High School. Larry also did a very popular TV program in Anchorage called "Mother Moose," where he again created and recited poetry in the style of Service, specifically for children (of all ages) The photographs were done by my dear friend Don Stromberg. Don is known as "alaskabear" and has a huge collection of photographs posted on Weather Underground, in his "alaskabear" name. Try: www.wunderground.com I've added a dedication at the end of this video to Don, who found his "Wondrous One" and his sunsets when he finally got to the Alaska that had captured his heart. The verses being recited are, as follows: You've asked the thing to which I cling The impressions that inspire Of all the sights and earth's delights that set my soul afire From the very start held in my heart of memories always new The Arctic sun is surely one my own true love is two I glorify our northern sky and golden glowing hues Enriched with red as sunrays spread that DAZZLE and diffuse Pale soft blue and purple too Permeate the scene Im like a child Eyes dancing wild in the shimmer and the sheen And matching this my magic Miss Whose beauty binds my soul And there youll find in depth defined Two perfect paths are whole, Descriptions fail in full detail For, for mystery must remain And so must she, an image be, Unclothed In phrases plain She, the sky, a sweet soft sigh And all things good and pure Erase the strife and cares from life In moments that endure And would take for your own sake An arctic sunset sky And close it in like a piercing pin And a beauteous butterfly, No, No, Leave them free for all to see Beyond our earthly touch The arctic sun My wondrous one, Two things I love so much In the background swells the sound Of north wind softly sighing And also there in the cool night air, A mans voice, and hes crying