The Polar Bear

Snow and ice packed plains

Within the Arctic ring of life

The Polar Bears home

The Maritime and Sea Bear -he is also known

A white fur coat to keep the cold at bay

Large limbs and feet for running on the land and swimming in the sea

Strong forearms for gliding through the ocean - it's back legs moving like a rudder in motion

His own internal navigation system

Direct and driven he know's his way

He can smell Seal's from a few miles away

Sharp claws for hunting this favourite prey

Akin to humans because of his nature to stand and to sit the same

A magnificent beast - with a huge frame 

Within many folklore tales - the Polar Bear is well known

Stories and legends from the Nenet tribes

Who believed - the spirit of bear and man were entwined

Spiritually powerful since ancient times

It's teeth used as talismans to wear around the neck

Or sewn into hats to wear

Offering divine protection from this sacred bear

Sadly the numbers are in decline

Global warming diminishing his natural land

Many deaths -dealt from the hunters hand

Dependent on sea ice - where it spends most of it's time

To lose this great creature of nature - would be a crime

National regulations to protect the Polar Bear are being sustained

Ever hopeful for it's legacy to be retained

A heritage as far back as 3,000 years ago

Depicted on walls as art within caves

Sharing some secrets- the Eskimo's ways

Long may we continue to see this lovely bear

The mother so loving with dutiful care

Cubs are born helpless and nurtured 

Safe in a maternity den

Weened by the age of two

Cuddly and playful

Wonderful to see

Natures Beautiful Bear

Their majesty roaming on winters terrain

Happy - wild and free 

The way it should always be xx

Written by Melanie Moses