Notes About The Poem

Xavier Poetry Contest- Sposor Matt Caliri

* Xavier Guillaume Mertz was a Swiss exporer- Mertz Glacier was named after him.

Xavier Mertz

My life changed forever after Xavier told me the following news 
He told me he wanted to join me in the Australasian Antarctic Expedition 
He was highly recommended- his offer, I just couldn't refuse 
To make this journey one must be in top physical condition 
Xavier, myself...  and Belgrave (Cherub) Ninnis a Greenland Husky dog trainer set sail 
Aboard the Sy Aurora with forty-eight dogs we sailed to Hobart 
Every piece of equipment, clothing and necessity had to be top-notch and full-scale 
Drinking alcohol and smoking were a no-no... off chart 
On November 10th, we skied to the first site- Aladdin's Cave 
Whilst on the trail, blizzard conditions separated Ninnis from me and Xavier 
Forty-two of the huskies we're killed by avalanche, only six could we save 
And little did we know that Ninnis would be gone; forever 
Xavier and I and the six remaining huskies went through our food supply very fast 
Until we had no choice, so, one-by-one... we ate the dogs 
I ask myself- "Am I the blame of what happened in the past? 
Or- was it all of our fault for not checking our travelogues 
I am Douglas Mawson, and I am the only survivor of the three 
Yes, my life had changed when I lost my friends forever 
Remember them as you read through my autobiography 
And rest assure, I will not forget my days with them- never
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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Goldsmith Avatar
May 17, 2026 at 1:13 PM
Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your creative/wonderful "Xavier Mertz" write/story. You could turn this into a book or short story. Have a fun day with your wonderful win...............
Caliri Avatar
May 16, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Congrats on placing 9th in my contest, Charles! This felt like a Jack London short story. I loved the build-up, and it's subtle/shocking ending. This feels like a 2 hr movie you've smushed into a poem. And it's a frosty delight! Well done!
Messina Avatar
May 16, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Thanks for the awesome placement, Matt. "Call of the wild" was one of my all-time favorite movies!
Pettit Avatar
April 14, 2026 at 9:46 AM
Nice write. It reminds me a little of the short subject "The Fatal Glass of Beer", starring the late W.C. Fields.
Buhagiar Avatar
March 26, 2026 at 2:24 AM
Great tribute to an explorer.
Anaya Avatar
March 25, 2026 at 12:55 PM
These expeditions bring blame to oneself, survival is cruel. yet crucial. Great storytelling, Charlie. xXHugs
Cunningham Avatar
March 25, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Enjoyed the read Charlie, love stories like this of the trailblazer explorers. Tom
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