"The moments of impact end up defining who we are"

Patrick Frank

Patrick Frank
Location
Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Birthday
September 26
Bio
I am a poet-essayist-singer-songwriter, and advocate for the poor, with a teaching and counseling background. I grew up in Florida, now live in Arden, North Carolina. I also lived in New England 20 years. I love nature, music, and poetry. I am married and we have three adult-kids between us and four grandkids! I am interfaith, leaning toward Taoist, Celtic, and Native American spirituality, and an "Obama Democrat." I am now focusing on our upcoming move (within Asheville) as well as my music and poetry-writing. I also continue to write political columns.

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MARCH 1, 2012 5:13PM

A Bear Treed Downtown in Asheville

Rate: 8 Flag

I know how that bear feels that has been trapped up a tree in downtown Asheville with tourists in a frenzy snapping pictures. Will these people chill out? This is a young bear, a scared bear. I hope that Fish and Wildlife gets there soon.

I remember a similar thing happening in Connecticut. A deer was trapped inside a fence, or rather, he could not find his way out. Meanwhile, a bunch of people were going bananas and chasing him around, confusing him further.

When wild creatures wander onto our turf, can we just stay cool and help them back to the woods, and mountains?

When humans get lost inside themselves, can we show similar compassion?

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We encroach into their turf more than they wander into ours.
Same with people.
alsoknownas
March 01, 2012 05:22 PM
When we lived in Marquette I remember when a bear was spotted up a tree. The best, however, was when a moose paid a visit. I wrote a story about it called "Marvin The Marquette Moose.'
John A Bayerl
March 01, 2012 05:57 PM
A few years ago at work, a battered squirrel showed up on a window sill. It couldn't see in so thought it was safe. I actually had to cover the window and put up a sign so people would quit knocking on the glass. It was in shock but seemed okay otherwise. It was fine the next day and I saw it every day until it's tree was cut down in 2009. I hope it's still okay. It ended up with a big bald spot on its side so I could tell it apart.
just phyllis for now
March 01, 2012 06:30 PM
Patrick - again your philosophical mind brings this reader so much to ponder. Wonderful, thoughtful post, as usual. R
Michelle Coulter
March 01, 2012 07:02 PM
Oh wow...we had one downtown and they shot and killed it. Now we have a statue of it to remind us to not interfere...so sad.
BuffyW
March 01, 2012 09:06 PM
Poor bear. ): Humans are selfish and cruel. It might be... "mystical" (to exaggerate) when wildlife wanders so closely into our lives, but I agree that we shouldn't get so wrapped up in it. We should help them back because they are lost and confused and scared.
And though it might be nice to snap photos to close in reality, the effect of it will fade in due time. It won't be as cool as the real thing, so people should relax and just take in the experience they've been fortunate (if you will) enough to receive, even if by mistake.
Addicted to the Voices
March 01, 2012 09:12 PM
I would love to spend a Spring day in Asheville with you, Patrick.
Kim Gamble
March 02, 2012 12:34 AM