Could it be that he’s so big and tall?
...or perhaps it’s because
he’s so cuddly and soft

With big strong hands that look like claws,
he feasts on berries
 as he gnashes and gnaws

Maybe we call him "The Bear" for his growls
...or the way he sleeps sound
to sixteen cubs’ deafening howls!

Or...maybe it’s the stance that he furiously stood, 
forever protecting our mom
Or the way he gets
"The Bear" raising hackles that keeps anyone from harm!

With a Grizzly heart he orders his salmon
'till his bear belly’s so full,
you can just sit, snuggling and pat him

Afternoon naps give our bruin his might!
A good-tempered beast who does his prowling at night
(In his jockeys at 2:00a.m.)

My daddy’s regard was raised high bearing arms
With a war that he fought,
but never, ever, lost his charm!

We named him "The Bear" for his smarts above par,
pointing out the constellations and always guiding us
to that Great Bear afar!

"The Bear" bears resemblance,
in many a way...
to Papa Smurf, Santa, and even, Ernest Hemingway

But, the bear qualities he’s best at and so easy to fair . . .
...is when you put his whole package together, hugging...
 my daddy,
"The Bear"

Copyright June 2007
Kimmy Van Kooten