(Lily and Hope – photo credit: Dr Lynn Rogers – American Bear Center/ WRI – bear.org)
a christmas elf appeared
at her door,
let himself in
as she baked an apple crisp
surprise.
Unwrapping simple gifts
Tears pricked her eyes –
Her red heart burst.
How could he have known?
She let him place
a small silvery bear paw
circlet around her neck,
a numinous abalone eye piercing
veils of ancient Memory…
She flowed with the river
dissolved into the sea…
A small child surfaced then,
roamed free through
a magical day
when two old people
became children
exchanging priceless
gifts – Love and Respect
freely offered.
Kindness births Flowers.
She flowed with the river
dissolved in the sea…
He wore his ears for her…
She cooked a feast for him
though she felt quite ill.
Together they shared thoughts,
watched Ravens in flight,
much loved dogs gnawing bones,
spoke of times passed by,
without poignant longing;
They had each other.
Two old people flowing with the River
dissolving into the sea…
Could he feel the Presence?
A Great Bear Spirit kept watch
as they sipped tea
by the fire in the cups
that bore His name.
The Bear held them close
like only a Bear Mother can
embrace her children –
loving them both
Unconditionally.
As they flowed into the river
And dissolved into the sea.
They parted at dusk –
Reluctantly –
thanking each other
for a heart centered day.
As they flowed into the river
And dissolved into the sea.
