She moves through the meadow like a shadow given weight,
three small lives spilling behind her in soft, unsteady joy.
Her gaze sweeps the world,
measured, knowing,
alert to every shift of wind and sound.
When the land offers its quiet, she slows.
Petals brush her muzzle as she feeds on flowers,
dark fur softened by the colors of flowers and light.
Behind her, the cubs tumble and play,
unaware of how fiercely they are held.
She is raw power in strength,
the wild gathered into a single form.
To those who would threaten, she is danger.
To those who follow her steps, she is shelter.
Her instinct is protection.
Her motive is love.
And for a brief moment,
among the bloom,
even her power looks so gentle.
Image captured in Grand Teton National Park, summer 2023
Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens
