Man vs. Bear

In the woods, where shadows blend,

The question lingers: Which to defend—

A man or bear, both fierce and wild,

Both threat to a woman, man and child?

A bear, with claws and hunger fierce,

Its eyes aglow with primal urge,

Rumbles through the undergrowth,

A titan, unfeeling and uncouth.

It seeks no malice, nor cruel game,

But instinct drives it all the same,

Its growl, a warning, pure and raw,

Its primal path, untamed by law.

Or man, with guise of calm veneer,

Although more subtle, more severe.

His eyes may hide his true intents,

A smile can mask malevolence.

In the woods, where shadows blend,

The bear’s fury will likely end.

But man’s cruelty, vile and deep,

Can inflict wounds that never sleep.

His rage corrupts the very soul,

A torment that goes beyond control.

It shatters spirit, breaks the will,

For years it lingers, haunting still.

I choose the bear, though fierce and wild,

For its danger has been reconciled.

The threat of man, goes beyond flesh,

Inflicting wounds that never rest.

In the woods, where shadows blend,

The bear’s fury will likely end.

A cruel man’s hand, both cold and deft,

May carve a fate that’s worse than death.