Bear Bells: a poem

The dogs commence their canine chorus
In a mishmash of keys, minor & major
Spreading eastward from the lake
& the creek which divides this village

A baying hound anchors the bass line
The Rottweiler an irate baritone
Down neighbouring blocks, dogs of assorted heritage
Yip & howl & growl

Much umbrage is taken by all
Meanwhile the black bears shamble along
In trios, duos & solos
Sniffing beach rocks for the faint trace of picnics

Or juicy berries, all gone by fall
& plums & apples & walnuts & grapes
All fallen or picked, dried, frozen, canned
The bears follow their noses

Ignore the howling dogs
Whose people, raking leaves
Baking bread, sawing firewood
Hear only the Sunday bells & shrug or smile

As the caterwauling opera subsides
& the bears head into the trees
& only the shushing creek sounds
& the bells echo in these mountains