Such a beautiful story that demands re-reading. And I love tales like this where interpretations are malleable, where two different people can read the same piece and take something completely different away from it. Stunningly written.
I loved how this was put together and some of the imagery was delicious. the particular length of it also enabled me to read it several times in a row. However i am still unsure about what has happened here. at first i'm thinking she is the bear. but then perhaps she has been turned into a "werebear" ... but then perhaps the grisly passage is the recounting of her dream that she talks about and the bear is not real ... the bear is a spiritual force that shows her how the body is put together so that she may be the shaman healer... but im not sure if thats right either! ... i think i shall read it again.
Hahaha, Nick! I love your comment! It is a bit of a puzzle story, isn’t it? My partner had the same questions as you. All I can say is it is the story of a sort of vision quest. I had once read of the bear being a healer in a spiritual sense, and I had also read of the shamanic journey of those seeking to be healers in their communities and how the bear would take them apart (sounds harrowing!) and put them back together in the proper way for their vocation. Of course, this all happens on the spirit plane, but I wanted the visceral feel of it in my story, the weighty significance of that journey. So my bear became both real and spiritual. A little magic mixed with some very physical consequences for those not chosen. Thank you so much for reading and re-reading!
thanks so much for enlightening me on your creative process... im pleased I almost got there in the end with my own mental grinding and re-grinding of the wheels 😀
Thanks, Martine! Yes, it is very much an initiation story; a sort of shamanic journey. I have had what I call my “bear dreams” for years. They are always frightening, but thick with some sort of meaning. I’m not sure what.
Liz, this was great. Loved it. You have stumbled onto one of the biggest terrors I have. I don't have a lot, but this one is at the very top of my list. Being devoured while alive...Croc, Big Cat, Shark...and yes, a Grizzly. I don't know if you ever saw the movie The Revenant, but there is one hell of a terrorizing scene with DiCaprio and a Grizzly. Let's just say it got my attention. It is a terrific movie even without that spectacular scene, so I highly recommend it. That bear might even give you some descriptive ideas with horror writing in general. Thanks for sharing The Bear. - Jim
Thanks, Jim! I have seen The Revenant and you’re right: the bear scene is terrifying! I am endlessly fascinated with any predator that could eat me. Terrified of them, but fascinated. The idea of taking my rightful place in the food chain is one of the biggest scares of all.
Thanks Keith! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It does raise some questions for me...did the woman stay as a healer in the village? What would that be like? Maybe I will return there in the near future.
You dreamed this? So cool! I just love the "unzipping" of her skin and counting of her bones line. As easy as plucking a petal from a daisy, almost.
Haha! Yeah, I dream a lot of crazy things. I was so immersed in the alternative healing community when this dream came, it was only to be expected. 😄
Such a beautiful story that demands re-reading. And I love tales like this where interpretations are malleable, where two different people can read the same piece and take something completely different away from it. Stunningly written.
Thanks, Alan! I so appreciate your comment! I rather like stories that are open to interpretation, too.
I loved it. Makes one think of all the demons they face, especially in war, great job as usual.❤️
Thanks, Dad!
I loved how this was put together and some of the imagery was delicious. the particular length of it also enabled me to read it several times in a row. However i am still unsure about what has happened here. at first i'm thinking she is the bear. but then perhaps she has been turned into a "werebear" ... but then perhaps the grisly passage is the recounting of her dream that she talks about and the bear is not real ... the bear is a spiritual force that shows her how the body is put together so that she may be the shaman healer... but im not sure if thats right either! ... i think i shall read it again.
very much enjoyed it !
Hahaha, Nick! I love your comment! It is a bit of a puzzle story, isn’t it? My partner had the same questions as you. All I can say is it is the story of a sort of vision quest. I had once read of the bear being a healer in a spiritual sense, and I had also read of the shamanic journey of those seeking to be healers in their communities and how the bear would take them apart (sounds harrowing!) and put them back together in the proper way for their vocation. Of course, this all happens on the spirit plane, but I wanted the visceral feel of it in my story, the weighty significance of that journey. So my bear became both real and spiritual. A little magic mixed with some very physical consequences for those not chosen. Thank you so much for reading and re-reading!
Hi Liz
thanks so much for enlightening me on your creative process... im pleased I almost got there in the end with my own mental grinding and re-grinding of the wheels 😀
Thanks, Sean!
Loved this!
It has that feel of the initiation journey: the dream, the challenge, the return - changed. Beautifully done, Liz.
Thanks, Martine! Yes, it is very much an initiation story; a sort of shamanic journey. I have had what I call my “bear dreams” for years. They are always frightening, but thick with some sort of meaning. I’m not sure what.
Liz, this was great. Loved it. You have stumbled onto one of the biggest terrors I have. I don't have a lot, but this one is at the very top of my list. Being devoured while alive...Croc, Big Cat, Shark...and yes, a Grizzly. I don't know if you ever saw the movie The Revenant, but there is one hell of a terrorizing scene with DiCaprio and a Grizzly. Let's just say it got my attention. It is a terrific movie even without that spectacular scene, so I highly recommend it. That bear might even give you some descriptive ideas with horror writing in general. Thanks for sharing The Bear. - Jim
Thanks, Jim! I have seen The Revenant and you’re right: the bear scene is terrifying! I am endlessly fascinated with any predator that could eat me. Terrified of them, but fascinated. The idea of taking my rightful place in the food chain is one of the biggest scares of all.
Well done, Liz. Your descriptions are both metaphorical and visual. The tension was palpable.
Thanks, Jim! Always relish your comments!
Amazing. The descriptions, the details. The story is so intriguing and vivid — I hope you return to this world sometime and write more in it.
Thanks Keith! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It does raise some questions for me...did the woman stay as a healer in the village? What would that be like? Maybe I will return there in the near future.