Ballad of the Bear

Before you judge me, this wretched gargoyle
With blood-spouting maul hunting down your kin
You must learn of me on my native soil
See with your mind’s eye the places I’ve been!
Hear with a heart from prejudice wiped clean!
I was born into harshness, motherless
Subject to fear, to nature’s endless press

In darkest jungle I opened my eyes
For the very first time, not yet knowing
That death is better than living in lies
Alas! My fame is rapidly growing
My pyre alight with kindling all glowing
My single taste of kindness was a crone
Who found me, washed me and made me her own

What is my crime? In which sin sits my fault?
‘Tween forest and prison lie countless gaps
Unspanned by time, which here comes to a halt
Untouched by reason, which bends and then snaps
This is no spiteful momentary lapse
I tell you it is a reclamation!
To right all wrongs, my sole motivation!

Where stand we then, Sir? Be you friend or foe?
Before you decide to switch north with south
Up with down, truth with lies, wait till you know
And have heard it straight from the monster’s mouth
Your fears all scattered like soldiers in rout
Only then will you understand my plight
And ken all the reasons why I must fight!