The Act of Leaving

Notice on both sides of the river several summer huts of the Laplanders,

in which they reside, for a short time together, during that season. It is said

a Laplander never remains more than a week in one spot, not only because

of seeking fresh pasture for his reindeer, but because he cannot bear to stay

long in a place. He drives the whole herd together, young and old, into the river,

more than eight gunshots wide, and they all swim easily to the opposite shore,

happy to be on a perpetual pilgrimage, their homes brief and convenient, and yet,

and yet, surely the point of a journey is that it comes to an end, and we are at rest.

In this way the world and everything in it is kept in its rightful place.