Poetry Corner – The Bear

The Bear

by Cameron Brtnik

(based on my girlfriend's dream 3/22/18)


I had a dream, twas more like a 'mare

I had a dream I was chased by a bear


This big brown bear was chasing me

It chased me until I ran up a tree


I was safe there, at least for now

There's no way in hell that I'm coming down


Then the bear whipped out its claws

Five sharp knives on large white paws


It bared its fangs like sharpened blades

And shook the tree until it gave


Right then I jumped and made escape

I looked behind me and saw its shape


That's when the fear and dread arrived

Don't think I'll make it out alive


I ran and ran like rabbit game

Inside my fears I had to tame


I couldn't tell what's dream or real

I thought I'd be the bear's next meal


Frantic, panic, sweat and tears

All my doubts, anxiety, fears


Would I escape? I wasn't sure

Next thing that happened was a blur


I fell and stumbled, tried to reach high

My heart was pounding, I felt it cry


I tried to wake up, cried and moaned

No one to wake me, all alone


The bear bit down upon my head

I let him eat me, sure I was dead


Then suddenly, everything was fine

No more fear, it was a sign


From then on when the bear gave chase

I stood my ground, stared face to face


…..


Now don’t you see, I am the bear

The one being chased, the one that's scared


But now I can control it, see

And tame the bear that lives in me