Ballad of the Bear

In the legends of man there is a Bear
Of primordial power so deadly
That none who enters escapes from his lair
Even when he quite sated and fed be

Shall we compare him to legends of yore?
He was the most fearsome of predators
Men in one season he gobbled ten score
And one more who fled from his creditors!

Ever since that dark time, no bear could thrive
Lest the very last prophecy come true
That the bear you spare and leave there alive
In his unholy hunger starts with you!

Under a thicket you see a young cub
Shivering, sickly, afraid of your club