Alaska

ALASKA

Jordan Jensen

The desk feels hard beneath my elbows

And the screen strains my weary eyes

A minefield of spreadsheets, columns and rows

I think I'll go to Alaska

The fluorescent lights with their anesthetizing hum

And stale air react to form a toxic combination

A mind asphyxiated and senses gone numb

I think I'll go to Alaska

The tie, hung tight as a noose is cut free

I can hear the train beat against the tracks

Bringing coat, gloves, and scarf, or maybe three

I think I'll go to Alaska

The mountain cathedrals capped with white snow

Hues of green and aromatic pines permeate my senses

My bearing is fixed,  the compass set north to go,

I think I'll go to Alaska

The flannel and jeans feel warm on my skin

Howling with bears and wolves liberates

With gaze affixed and bristles on my chin

I think I'll go to Alaska

There the gal I will meet with pale blue eyes

Blond braid, flaxen as the golden seas

Calling the eagles and crushing boulders between her thighs

I think I'll go to Alaska

My time is up and I return from my fixation

Clacking and whirring of industrial machines

In a cell the greatest curse is imagination

Perhaps someday, I think I'll go to Alaska