THE BEAR One day when in a trancelike state, My mind adrift, wandering where it would. I chanced upon a meeting with a creature great Who stood and stared. I wondered should I run away from this fearsome sight My heart hammering in my chest I stood frozen, not wanting a fight, My conscious mind yelling, "Running is best!" But my traitorous feet stood locked in place As panic gave way to fear My mind whirled at a dizzying pace. To decide, make a decision. He was too near! Then I heard a chuckle, soft at first, That grew louder and louder each second. My heart pounded harder as if to burst, As a hairy gold paw slowly beckoned. "Come little one," he said to me, "I have things to show and teach," "Open blind eyes and you will see, Wonders you'd thought beyond reach." So I slowly shuffled on, against all reason And followed the bear that day, To a meeting with destiny. After many seasons I have learnt to follow his way. So this is a 'Thankyou' to my friend, Who opened blind eyes to see And though my path should twist and bend, He'll always be 'brother' to me. Words Copyright gipseegal@yahoo.com BACK TO MAP BACK TO GIFTS BACK TO NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBUTE