The Bear

I would like to hibernate,

to go underground for a long time,

slow my heart to an aching throb

and my breathing to a wisp of air,

entering and leaving.

I would like to have hair like a rug

and big paws meaty with claws

to rip bark from a tree.

I would pull myself into a cave,

rocks and moss and the fresh earth.

And I would have stuffed myself for months

on carrion and slugs and a moose

I had tracked and pulled down 

with my strength.

And then I would sleep but 

not like I do now

but in a half trance maintained

so I could wander the planets

and use my unusual gaze.