I notice out here my Jewish, Christian Celtic and Native American streams glisten more overtly, in listening. This one is from the more native stream (Cherokee in my case), on observing a sign some of my distant relatives left on a nearby hill. Enjoy a little poetic meditation friends! I did today with Him, thinking again of the whole human family, in light of current events.

So, on an animal, symbol, cultural deposits, and history related topic. The native Americans here left a bear-shaped tree on top the hill across from me, as a reminder for those who see, of all that was and will be. So, I turned to poetry to look backwards and forwards today…

(Viewing a particular “California” bear)

Bear Tree
On the tip of that hill there
a bear-shaped tree leans through this bay window all morning into glory.
I saw it my first time here; as, it seemed to be in longing to be seen, so
I finally looked into it. It’s a native american sign left
for us who would come later.
So, they left a bushy sea bear tree, if not their names, at least
leaning into winds unseen, whispering towards the waters of the sea.
Today we
took a picture of it for some reason, maybe just
to re-member
what was and will be.
Or to make it more permanent for ourselves, or
To practice bearing and being in the long story well, seeing monuments in wind…
Or just to gaze at bear tree clearly through a foggy morning window, dearly. Regardless,
They knew someone would see it eventually, with fog horn warnings,
in perceptual thanks, re-reading the signs before us, so we too may lean forwards again, from a nearby hilltop home…to see
the bear tree they hid in plain sight alone
atop that hill there still sheerly leaning into wind’s recall.
This bear isn’t laughing. She’s waiting stoically to be seen.