Kaola Bear, Beloved.

Alice with Kaola bear. The outback. Australia. 1990s

Photo by Jean Weisinger

None of this is your fault.

You are blameless.

Like all creatures

entirely native to this earth.

You are warm. You love to hug.

In your eyes there is wonder

and peace.

There are no words left

to mourn your suffering

or even your bewilderment.

That we knew enough to love

when we met:

for this unexpected

blessing

I am forever

in your debt.

And I thank you.

Thank you.