Polar Bear, Redux

Run for the Zoo

We ran for the zoo again this year

For the umpteenth time so I had no fear.

The course ran up and then ran down

first on Stockton and then on crackling ground.

We ran around for a bit till we turned in at the Zoo.

Soon it's the middle of the race and then I was there --

I turned to my right and saw a big white Polar Bear.

And just in front of that Polar Bear a bright white bird

Sat on top of a rock, his feathers glistening in the morning sun

We all were together, runners, bear, and bird,  having fun.

The bear did not notice the runners go by

As he slept in the shade in his crag on high.

But we kept going buoyed by the joy of the morning run,

Along with the sight of the Polar Bear and the bird in the sun.

James Henderson, 2012

More on Polar Bears

While participating in the "Run for the Zoo" this morning in Lincoln Park I saw a Polar Bear, inspiring the following bit of verse.







The Bear at the Zoo

I saw a polar bear at the zoo today.
It was behind a glass wall, but that's okay
For I believe polar bears are best when they
Are safe in a place that keeps them away.

I saw the bear while running for the Zoo,
But I am certain that no matter who
The polar bear saw he did not care,
Since I don't look like another polar bear!

He was sitting in the shade and kept his eye
On the crowd outside - don't ask me why.
For I think he was really just keeping cool,
You see this Polar Bear, he was no fool!

- James Henderson

Polar Bears

Polar Bear in there

There's a Polar Bear
In our Frigidaire--
He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.
With his seat in the meat
And his face in the fish
And his big hairy paws
In the buttery dish,
He's nibbling the noodles,
He's munching the rice,
He's slurping the soda,
He's licking the ice.
And he lets out a roar
If you open the door.
And it gives me a scare
To know he's in there--
That Polary Bear
In our Fridgitydaire.

Poem: Shel Silverstein

Image: Penguin Disguise