Different Bears

The English teacher was in a negative mood
And for an hour proved to be a bear!
Perhaps he was just preoccupied—
It caused his class to quietly stare…

The investigating officer belabored his report…
“Bear with me, Chief,” he hastened to say,
And included some very boring details.
“Sergeant, some things seem to get in your way.”

“I bear good news to all peoples”
The angels said to the shepherds.
“The King, the Saviour is born this day.”
So they rushed into town telling what they heard.

The lazy politician walked on thin ice
Knowing his work would not bear close scrutiny.
He felt he should not seek re-election—
His record would provide no immunity.

The brown bears found the spawning waters
For the sockeyes which came from the sea.
Their energy was spent, their skin was red—
For the bears it was a fete champe tre!

Unconfessed sin is a burden to bear
And one that will weigh you down.
We are wise like the Psalmist to get it all out
For our load is lightened when forgiveness is found.

Known to bear a grudge for years
My neighbor holds on to the bad!
In his life it seems to be all about him…
Having trouble with authority…more than a tad…

Having lost her spouse after fifty years
Her grief was especially hard to bear.
But she talked with friends and chose to move on
And was helped a lot by those who care.

The judge told the youth in court,
“Do bear in mind the consequences
Of your actions—whether good or bad.”
“Constructive behaviours are your best defenses.”

The tourist stopped to ask for directions…
“You go this way two blocks, then bear right.”
The traveler thanked the man for his instructions
Then found the motel which was in plain sight!

The fog had lifted, the shore was seen
And the lighthouse came in view.
“Now, bear a hand” the Captain said.
“We have a lot of sailing to do.”

The market was seen as fluctuating--
Going up and then going down.
Would it prove to be a bear or a bull
Before the closing bell would sound?

Ursa Major was often consulted
By ancient mariners who sailed the sea.
For years they trusted this faithful bear
In the dark of night…a welcome sight to see!
“Bear down now on the incision site.”
The cath is done and it all went well.”
“A little bit longer ‘til the bleeding has stopped.”
“All the vessels are good as I can tell.”

Charlie Covington
June 11, 2023
Arlington, Tennessee