Spring 2015
Ursa Major by Stan Long
I remember
the uncomfortable shuffle
of the crowd
clink
of shekels in the hat clink
of a chain
in the dancing dark
under
Ursa Major the squeeze
box's brittle tune
on the frosty air
the great hairy
beast
ponderous on its hind legs
shaggy head raised
higher
than all of us
a certain dignity in its
poise
as it swayed to keep time
the single attribute
that made us kin and
father
cursing softly
when he gripped my hand
and led me away
The Linnet's Wings Poetry