My Mother Bear’s Arms

by Jack Fritscher

This Saint Ursula Orphanage poem by Jack Fritscher remembers his Mother Bear holding unwanted newborn cubs in her arms, week after week. He wonders how many of those grown-up orphans remember tender arms as he remembers hers.

Afternoons once a week
for years at Saint Ursula Orphanage
my Mother Bear held unwanted cubbies
in her arms
cooing and soothing
chatting with other women
comforting newborn
cubs not their own

Remembering how my mother
held me, comforted me,
I wonder how many orphaned grizzlies,
grown up and
busy living lives in the world
where my Mother Bear is no more
have any recall
that matches mine
of her tender arms
her warm heart
her voice
her breath