Cirque is an outstanding literary journal established in 2009 and dedicated to celebrating the diverse literary and artistic talent of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Since its inception, Cirque has been committed to uniting the creative voices of the region, fostering a sense of community, and showcasing the unique cultural landscapes of Alaska and Northwest states. With each edition, Cirque continues to be a beacon for emerging and established writers and artists, offering a platform to share their stories, poems, and artwork with a world-wide audience. Cirque's commitment to nurturing creativity remains unwavering, making it an essential part of the literary and artistic fabric of the region. In this issue find: Doug Margeson: “A Day In Seattle, Washington,” wherein the writer encounters the inimitable Dan Savage of The Stranger. Paul K. Haeder: “A Kid in California Heading to the Brig,” delves into Robert Norris’s memoir, “The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise,” exploring the writing process and a life intensely lived. Bonnie Harris: Discover two captivating wild land adventures: Get some Pro Tips for bear encounters in “Did You See Any Bears?” and embrace a 1000-year-old cedar in “The Deer, the Wolves, and the Unicorn Tree.” Doug Pope: “Mr. Warner” —Experience a boy’s journey, mid-century, in Fairbanks, AK, as he navigates life with a complex father and learns valuable lessons from an unexpected adult friend. A tale of hunting, fishing and pumping gas. John McKay: “Leavetaking” —a poem for Jack Roderick. Tim Sherry: Author of Holy Ghost Town, a poem, “Blood Sport.” Donna Beaver: Tlingit/Tsimshian, “Kóoshdaa káa Haibun” encounters the shapeshifting Sasquatch. Charles Hertz: Incredible images from travels, world-wide. World class. Jill Johnson: Stunning images throughout the issue and the poem, “Scrubland” We make this disaster—burn our goodness down…