Acclaimed Poet Erling Friis-Baastad Reflects on Life and Nature

Erling Friis-Baastad, a celebrated poet known for his deep connection to nature and the cosmos, passed away in spring 2023 after battling Lewy body dementia. His final journey to Whitehorse in January 2022 marked a poignant return to the landscapes that profoundly influenced his writing and spirit.

During his last visit, Friis-Baastad gazed out the frosty car window at Grey Mountain, reflecting on the past. “I feel the past settling comfortably around my shoulders like a familiar sweater,” he remarked. This sentiment encapsulated his lifelong engagement with the world through poetry, even as his illness began to distort his reality. “There are various creatures inhabiting my waking hours,” he noted as his condition progressed, illustrating the turmoil within his mind.

Born in Norway, Friis-Baastad moved to the United States as a child. His fascination with science and the universe was ignited by a microscope gifted by his father. At the age of 14, he discovered a biography of renowned poet Robert Frost, which shifted his aspirations from science to poetry. “I was enthralled: that solitary, bookish Frost kid was just like me,” he wrote in an article for The New Quarterly, revealing how he embraced his identity as a poet.

In pursuit of his passion, Friis-Baastad relocated to New York City, immersing himself in the vibrant literary scene of the Beat poets. He later moved to Canada, taking on various jobs, including wildland firefighter and security guard, all while writing poetry. His journey brought him to Whitehorse on May 3, 1974, where he continued to create, despite facing criticism that belittled poetry as a pursuit.

Friis-Baastad’s career included a significant tenure as a copy editor for a local newspaper, where he spent 16 years honing his craft. His meticulous attention to detail was appreciated by young journalists, as he helped refine their pieces with constructive engagement rather than criticism. More than just editing punctuation, he was deeply invested in the narratives, often prompting writers to explore overlooked aspects of their stories.

The emotional weight of journalism, particularly concerning pressing issues like climate change and politics, weighed heavily on Friis-Baastad. A gentle soul, he often found solace in nature, taking long walks in the Yukon forests with his dog, Freya. His concerns about the world were compounded by personal anxieties about his family and friends, leading him to seek refuge in the tranquility of his surroundings.

Despite the challenges he faced, Friis-Baastad’s mind remained adventurous. His interests spanned diverse topics, from the philosophy of paleontologist Jesuit priests to the geology of Andalusian stone shards. His love for animals and nature remained constant throughout his life, as did his passion for science.

His last collection of poems, Fossil Light, reflects his imaginative journey into exoplanets, exploring themes of discovery and transformation. He wrote, “We will meet here when the dawn flares out in the grip of nine cold moons,” pondering the collective experience of humanity. In this way, he captured his essence—a poet seeking connection and understanding amid the vastness of existence.

Friis-Baastad’s poetic evolution showcased a remarkable journey from exuberance to introspection. His earlier works featured lively encounters with grizzly bears and vibrant city life, while his later poems adopted a more distilled, contemplative style. One of his notable collections, the pencil poems, presented minimalist reflections, often featuring a single word per line, inviting readers into his meditative state.

During his final visit, he shared his love for haiku with the nine-year-old daughter of a close friend, crafting short verses together as the forest outside darkened. “When all is said and done in my life there is one thing I love, and that is living in the Yukon with this dog and its people and the snow falling plop out of the spruces,” he expressed, highlighting his enduring connection to his home.

Erling Friis-Baastad’s legacy as a poet and a thinker will resonate through the lives he touched and the words he penned. His journey from the wilds of Norway to the expansive landscapes of the Yukon reflects a profound appreciation for both nature and the human experience, a testament to his belief in the power of poetry to capture life’s myriad moments.