Standing Bear

He wakes from slumber,
stretches, and groans.
He has wintered too long; it is
heard in his moans.
The walls that surround him
have stories to share.
Such is the cave of Standing
Bear.

Rising up tall, he is massive
and strong.
But then he is shaken, senses
something is wrong.
Where is his family, his cub
and his wife?
He must make certain, for
they are his life.

He bursts from the cave, and
then sees the danger.
His family is threatened by the
hand of a stranger.
Roaring and lunging, Standing
Bear now attacks.
The stranger will harm no one
else, it’s a fact.

Back in the cave, things return
as they should.
Laughter and family making
life good.
To protect his home is
Standing Bear’s creed.
To live in their love is Standing
Bear’s need.

Yellow Hawk © 2006

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