Every year, Robert Lee spends time as a poet-in-residence at the Haida School of Hydaburg, Alaska. His students teach Lee as much about surviving the elements as he teaches them about self-expression.
"A sudden gust of wind tossed the hood from my head. Rain pouring down my neck turned my musings toward lunch. But I reminded myself that I would have plenty of time, after leaving Alaska, to not fish for salmon, and so I changed flies one more time. Three hours later, it was truly lunchtime after I'd caught my limit of six salmon. I left a river still bubbling with rain. Such are rewards on Prince of Wales Island - hard-earned and substantial - whether you are fishing or teaching. Casting or cajoling, you must change tactics frequently and be willing to skip lunch and let it rain hard and often on your hat and ego."
(Broadcast: "Reflections West," 10/14/15 & 10/15/14. Listen Tuesdays, 8:30 p.m., or Wednesdays, 3:54 p.m.)