North Pacific Storm

   My fears about the boat subside as the night passes. Wind, sea, and rain become a voice of pure wildness, expression of the enormous, powerful thing that was born far out over the ocean, grew and intensified, and now sprawls up against the coast. Someday a storm like this might catch me on the water and carry me away, but I love it all the same. What better way to vanish than into the dark flailing breath of a north Pacific storm?
   I float toward sleep, drawn away from the fears in my mind by the comforting tempest outside. The great storm contains me.

- Richard Nelson, "The Island Within"

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