The Last White Ruby: The Vanishing Polar Circles is a captivating poetry collection that delves into the experiences of living and working in the polar environment. Ronnie Smith, an aviator who spent many years flying for the US Air Force in these extreme regions, shares his unique perspective.
Through his keen sensitivity to the human condition, Smith brings the surreal landscapes and flying phenomena to life, inviting readers to explore the beauty, danger, and unusual wonders of the polar regions. The elements present an ever-present challenge, as extreme cold and wilderness confront aviators and seamen with uncompromising force.
These remote regions, where nature reigns supreme, also offer scientists early clues about global warming and environmental decay. Smith's portrayal captures the pristine beauty and the vital role the icecaps play as the planet's cooling mechanism, a beauty we risk losing due to climate change.
With eloquent prose, Smith transports readers to places few will ever see, allowing them to appreciate the fragile magnificence of the polar circles.