Poems

I can not move.

I cannot move – I am not free
I cannot climb the lovely trees
A prisoner in my iron lung
I cannot see the morning sun
I cannot see the evening moon
Disabled in my steel cocoon
I spend my life in caged eclipse
A scream pours from my blameless lips
I do not know what forest is
I cannot bear to be like this
I cannot amble through the mist
I am a number on a list
My instincts here are all in chains
My inner bear is all deranged
Like orphans chained to stinking beds
I cannot use my arms and legs
I’m crucified for mankind’s greed
I cannot climb the lovely trees
I do not know what freedom means
A Death’s Head haunts my waking dreams
I’m trapped inside this living hell
Incarcerated in my cell
I cannot be my moon bear self
My bile is milked for human “health”
I do not have an aim in life
I do not have a moon bear wife
I just exist to make my bile
To help my master live in style…
I’m told that there are moon bear trees
The droning sound of honey bees
I’m told that there is life beyond
But do not have a magic wand
I’m spread-eagled in mortal pain
I’m crucified for mankind’s gain
I cannot move – I am not free
I cannot climb the lovely trees
I am a moon bear – find the key
Release me from my misery

 

Prayer for My Brother, The Bear
by Chief Dan George

O Great Spirit who listens to all
I speak for my brother the bear.

Make the moon shine softly during the nights of his childhood
So that the warmth of his mother will
always be in his memory.

Make the berries grow in abundance
and sweetness
So that the vigor of life will strengthen his heart

mizAnd the years of old age shall never
be a burden to his body.

Let the wildflowers refresh his temperament
So that his manner will always be carefree.

Give his legs swiftness and strength
So they will always carry him to freedom.

Sharpen the senses of his ears and nose
So they will always keep harm from him.

Let only those men share his path
who in their hearts
Know his beauty and respect his
strength so that he will

Always be at home in the wilderness.
Make men praise life so that no one
needs to feel the shame

That lives in a heart that has wronged.
Then my wild brother, the bear, will
always have a wilderness,

As long as the sun travels the sky.
Oh, Great Spirit, this I ask of you
for my brother, the bear.

Prayer for My Brother, The bear.