the feeders dangle like ripe fruit
in my dark yard
tempting the bear as she prowls
sleep-fogged and silent
on wide, padded feet
we don’t hear her stretch her body
to the full height
of the shepherd’s hook
she is liquid fur
and breath and hunger
When the steel bends
like a boneless limb
the dog barks, a shrill cry
hackles raised, head high, listening
as the click of her claws on the metal
strums through every part
of his ancient canine soul
At last she finds her prize
rending the feeder in half, feasting
on a meal meant for birds