There is No Wind in Oslo by Mark Strand
Read the new poem by the American poet and professor
“My dear,” said the traveler to the young woman,
“life has not been kind to me; I went north in
search of the famous Alaskan pigmy dog but never
saw one; I went south to catch a glimpse of the
long-tailed, blue-green African rhino and failed
again. Inconsolable, I gave myself to the sullen
glory of great poems and ended up here, on the
windiest corner of the windy city.” “Go to Oslo,”
said the young woman, “there is no wind in Oslo.”
Planning Your Next Trip?
Explore great travel deals
A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.