The Carver

There's a Native man who comes in rarely to the bookstore with his young son, who prefers literary classics to the pablum his school has him reading. I assume they are Haida, but its an assumption on my part. I wouldn't dare ask, its impolite for a whitey like me to do so I've been assured. There's a look to the Haida people, I wouldn't call it a coloring or facial feature characteristic, though I'm sure it can be done by an anthropologist. To me, there's a look in their eyes that distinguishes them. The Haida Gods promise no comfort and the eyes of their people show that, a grim determination and brief, but beautiful, smiles.

The owner's husband likes to carve, so our store is filled with wood carvings. Generally these fall into two categories, things vaguely celtic and things very Pacific Northwest. And there's a totem behind the counter he's carved, in traditional Haida style and coloring. After spending a few minutes considering it, the man grunted and muttered "good totem". High praise indeed.

Dennis will be thrilled.