Ways for a Polar Bear to Become Famous

Sing. Tell stories. Compose
A tableau made of seals.
Remember that it hurts

To be predator or prey,
And convey this anguish
In a swimming pantomime.

Become a sophist. Read
Books that explain things,
Books that are written

By other polar bears.
Be pleased with yourself
For no good reason.

Fold a newspaper,
Delicately as elderly,
Urbane men with sorrowful eyes

Still do, sometimes,
On park benches
In their minds. Cry.