Mama Bear

Cubs who hurt inside
hurt other cubs. I understand this.
Lord knows I've said it often enough,
hoping to get through
to bad cubs in the forest,
crying cubs in the glen
baffled by unkindness.
Lord knows I've proved it,
growling at my mate
or other she-bears,
showing teeth, claws digging in.
Maternal by nature, if given half a chance
I'd offer comfort
before these hurting cubs lash out.
if given half a chance.
Unless my own cubs fall victim,
hearts broken by 
by a bully's disposition.
Beware a mama bear that day.
Run far, hide well from
a battle you can't win.


(c) Ellen Gillette, 2012