Have you ever seen anything so very fair
As a gorgeous and great big ole black bear?
With their shiny coats and hairy paws,
And their furry ears and curvy claws?
They sneak around the woodland scene
Seldom ever heard or even seen.
In nothing flat they’ll climb a tree
Tis a wonderful sight for all to see.
Or scrounging along with cubs in tow,
They’ll go wherever their mom will go.
These cubs are born in winter’s warm den,
Far from the intruding eyes of men.
Born so small but they grow so fast,
They’ll be fairly large ‘ere summer’s past.
Many an adventure with a grunt or a laugh,
They’ll stay with mom for a year and a half.
Then their time with her comes to an end,
While she seeks out another new boyfriend.
Turning over rocks for larva and more,
Robbing bird feeders you got from the store.
Going through garbage for something delicious,
Now hanging back and acting suspicious.
In spite of their diets, most bear are clean,
And most are skittish instead of mean.
Amazing, perceptive, and intelligent too,
There are so many things a bear can do.
With fair eyesight but an excellent nose,
They can sense each scent as every wind blows.
Let’s thank the Lord for this gift so rare,
The beautiful and strong and smart black bear.
George Bowers, Oct 2013