The Mark of the Bear
Leaving the sanctity of evergreen forest and still wrapped in winter wool he warily approaches me. I stand riveted — locked in a visual embrace. Hungering for details I scan his face with its brown marbled eyes, a wet nose and open mouth sniffing and tasting the evening air. I note his widow’s peak, the bulky body, curved claws and padded paws when he lies down at my feet. Recognition parts the Veil of Bears as I acknowledge him. One image of my Beloved is this bear.
Over The Edge and Beyond: Journal of a Naturalist 