I have always been protected by bears
Surrounding me rock-solid in my dreams
Coming up to me on a street for a big hug
Doing a sort of Russian dance
     amid the morning fog.  I
know you
Your large tongue lolling
     in laughter
As I pummel the pillow
That feels like your red fur red
     meat     red sunny heat
And you never never hit me back.
I have always been protected by bears.

"Bear Song" is from Jehanah's collection, NEXT CENTURY'S CHILD.  She chose a bear for the cover of her book.