BEAR

by Tina Klimas


I live—unobtrusive,
of the earth—with my
purpose, with my cubs.
I sleep in snow
for what you think
is a long enchanted winter.
Snowflakes
amass outside my den
in what appear to you
to be soft, peaceful drifts.
I and this wilderness serve
to inspire your holidays
and your fairy lore.
I allow you to nurture
your infants with plush
replicas of my own.
But dare to jab at me.
Rob me of my dignity
and steal my purpose.
Replace my truth
with your falsehoods.
Wake me up—
and the snow will become
a killing avalanche.
I could bury you, if I choose,
and my roar will be mighty.
Your mountains of steel
will echo with it.
The avalanche will melt
and the deluge
will come for you.
And then,
you will have to face me.


* * * * *

Tina Klimas's poems can be found in THEMA Literary Journal, Bear River Review, The Sow’s Ear Poetry Review, Backchannels, Autumn Sky Poetry Daily, Willows Wept Review, and Glassworks Magazine. Her short fiction has also been published in several journals. She enjoys her writing life in Redford, MI where she lives with her husband and their dog.