feed the bear
Some years ago I stayed at a retreat center in Three Rivers, MI. It's a lovely place, with several comfortable cabins placed around an open field, or Laura. People go there to be in silence, walk in nature, and practice mindfulness. I was there as part of a pilgrimage required by my shamanic training. It was winter. I was forbidden to read. It never stopped snowing. After three days I was ready to tear off my own skin to get the hell away from myself. Perhaps I should give such a practice another try, huh?
I still get the newsletter from the center, and it often has beautiful poetry written by guests. This poem stopped me in my tracks. I didn't see a copyright, but let's assume there is one, and give credit where credit is due.
Neighborly
by Elizabeth Kerlikowske
When the bear is ravenous she helps herself.
She smells your chocolates miles away.
It's not that far - New Jersey.
She knows how to move.
You left the candy unattended in your living room.
She does not practice delayed gratification.
Within minutes she is at your house
She rips out the air-conditioning unit
and leaves a tutu of hair.
You come home and find the bear
seated on your couch chewing chocolates.
Your husband swears he's been dialing 911.
Her fur's everywhere
but the valentine is almost empty.
She really doesn't seem to care.
When the bear hungers
she holds one thought
feed the bear
feed the bear
4 Comments:
whoa---
...and thank you once again for sharing that place with me. the time i spent there myself is still pertinent.
who's Laura?
Uh...the open field is known as the Laura.
THat was the coolest moment in my day. I wrote the poem. I was seeing what else was online of mine and I just want to thank you for the compliment and for printing the poem for others to see. I have a 13 poem cycle; that is the final poem. Regards.
Elizabeth K.
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