The Bear

A poem for those who approach our pain with gentleness

The Bear

your warm eyes see me clearly
I’m like a hurt bear in the wild
seen feels threatening
vulnerable is a dangerous thing to be

I’m an injured bear
you are help approaching
I’m made docile by the kindness in your eyes
by your slow, measured movements

I can’t pretend to be fine with you
you see right through it
I’m not ok, not nearly ok
but I’m not running
that is a feat

I feel powerless and exposed
my entire existence at risk
I’m here when I want to be anywhere else
I don’t know if it’s a trauma response or if it’s trust

are you brave enough to be near a terrified bear?
witness what no one else could come near?
can you still respect that I am a wild thing?
not take offence when I resist your bandaging?

I lick my wounds alone, but I’m not leaving
when I’m done, honey, I’ll come back to bed
to the bravest man
with the warmest eyes

I need your grounded empathy like I need air
I’m also devastated at how I need it
thank you for not taking it personally
for not making it about your ego

only someone who respects the wild
would be so wise to act so stupid
your gift is the loyalty of a fierce and proud me
who can relax in your arms and show my soft belly