Ballad of the Bear

Gazing all about you
As you have always done
You go down to the river
Where the current does run

You find your old friend
Clasp him close and then
You tell him of the nine
But the need for a ten

He says, “I shall fight!
For the sake of my friends
Though they do not know me
And their hatred offends.”

“It cannot be, old friend.
Though I am mightily sad
To think of the victory
We all might have had.”

He looks at you then
His black eyes full of pain
As you realize no words
Could possibly explain

The fear in your heart
Or the doubt in your soul
“And now, my brother,
I’m afraid I must go.”

Coming up a man short
Is not an ideal start
Most of all when one is willing
And pure in his heart