by D. A. Lockhart
At its heart the Bear
Clan protects us,
Puskamoose declares.
our peoples need
aggression, that modern
Canada makes us smile
at being inappropriate.
Drops deck screws,
clearance twine, two
packs of Thrills
atop counter, bears,
cousins to spirits
Creator lets loose
to haunt our north.
He says he’s seen them,
waking up in the static
of his TV when Global
goes off air for night,
bothered by post anthem
white noise, he knows
they’ve come in season
In keeping with ancient
teachings, town Cree
like him don’t follow.
First saw them after
a Scott Tournament
of Hearts replay. Heard
hunger in their stirrings.