Reflections on my Greenland poem

I recently wrote a poem about Greenland. A few friends asked why I had tackled such a distant island, and I understand their surprise.  (Click if you haven't yet read it.) Perhaps a little context will be useful...

I became fascinated with the Arctic when a 100-square-mile chunk of ice broke off Greenland’s Peterman Glacier in August of 2010. During the two years that followed that calving, my Maplewood NJ fifth graders and I followed via GPS tracking as bergs from the glacier drifted down Iceberg Alley past the eastern coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador. The kids were engaged and so was I!

Icebergs from Greenland float southward to Newfoundland along the line shown

Inspired by Captain Robert Bartlett, Newfoundland’s pre-eminent mariner and Captain William Dillon, my grandfather, I've been researching expedition leaders and sea captains of the north Atlantic. Along the way I read of bold Arctic journeys of a number of explorers, and subsequently I've been developing a few kidlit writing projects. One of those projects led me to the fascinating island of Greenland.

Why did these men and women venture into such distant territory? What gave them the courage to risk their own lives to save stranded sailors? Why did some of them dedicate their lives to sharing the majesty of the Arctic with the rest of the world?

As Jacques Cousteau once said, “Protect what you love.” How can we be expected to care for a part of our planet that we barely know? Perhaps my interest in sustainability has led me to the magical areas in the northern and southern ends of our planet.

This year, rhetoric heated up about Greenland. I found myself wishing that news organizations would provide their readers with a fuller perspective of the island. Beyond the masses of ice, what is the island’s geography? Why is its location so important? Who are its people? What do citizens of Greenland want for their country? What are the complexities of their relationship with Denmark? And how is the Arctic weathering climate change?

I wrote I AM GREENLAND to encourage a deeper curiosity for Earth’s largest island. Greenland is not as far away as one might think, and many of us have limited knowledge of that part of the world.

I'd like to thank American Polar Society for sharing this poem in the Spring 2025 edition of their Voices from the Ice, a digital publication. APS has served since 1934 “to unite the people and institutions from around the globe and pole to pole to further knowledge, understanding, appreciation and celebration of the Arctic and Antarctic land, oceans and ice.” If you have an interest in all things Arctic, consider joining! It shares news of exploration, scientific projects, and arts and culture related to the North Pole and South Pole.

As you read the poem, you may have a few questions of your own.

To learn more about ideas presented, check out these links: Brittanica and/or Arctic Institute . 

Share this poem as you wish. I hope that it fosters respect for the people and resources of Greenland, and that it promotes deeper understanding.

Josette Abruzzini is an educator, writer and poet who builds bridges and nudges perspectives. She's a native Canadian and a naturalized American citizen who visits her home province of Newfoundland and Labrador at every opportunity!