A Poem from the Artio Writer’s Den by Johano Sycamore Bear

In the dark and dank den

the cub stirs and returns to sleeping

The mother, the she-bear, huffs quietly

settling the cub, returning the den to silence

The days lengthen, warmth enters the den

Mama starts preparing to venture out.

The cub curls up, waiting for her

Curiosity building, the new smells teasing.

The fallen log, new fern sprouts, and fresh diet.

A moist nose sniffing the air,

Holding close to mother’s leg for safety

Guiding by mama’s grunts, huffs, and paw taps.

Growing, exploring, learning of dangers

Wolves, male bears, and deep water

Bigger and stronger, exploring on its own

Ears listening for danger, smelling for food

A second yearling, ready to set out on its own.

A new beginning, an adventure starting

Forests to be explored, a mate to be found

Independence, Freedom, and Living

-- Bio info

Johano Sycamore Bear, ODAL

3rd Order Priest RDNA

Bard of the Oakdale Grove, RDNA