I wrote a poem about Tex the Grizzly bear right after he was shot as I felt his life (since he came to Powell River and then swam to Texada) was a little misunderstood [“Grizzly killed on Texada Island honoured with ceremony,” July 16]. The poem just flowed for me so easily it seemed it was something I needed to do for him.
In light of his passing just over a month ago, I got the urge to share it mostly as a reminder of the legend he became and to tell his story the way I saw it. I just don’t want him or the situation to be forgotten as there is a lot we can all learn from what happened.
I feel so moved by the whole situation still to this day and wanted to share it. I wrote this poem respectfully and truthfully, straight from my heart, with no ill will toward anyone.
Tex: The legend that ran out of time
There was this lone survivor
A grizzly they named Tex
He came down from the mountains
Powell River he first blessed.
He cruised around some beaches
He scavenged and ate fish
He seemed to make his home out south
Against some people’s wish.
Then Tex decided one day
He’d swim the Salish Sea
Swam to Texada Island
His new home this would be.
He was the only Grizz there
A legend in his time
He hunted round his newfound home
Just living out his prime.
Some people grew to love him
This legend he’d become
Others weren’t so happy
They wanted him to run.
The island came divided
With love and of course hate
Remember he’s a grizzly bear
Some shouted so irate.
Fear took over many
Grizzlies kill you know
Get him off the island now
To somewhere else he’ll go.
Some people offered to save him
But time was running out
Red tape just seemed to tangle
Their plans were met with doubt.
And wouldn’t you just know it
As things came to a stall
While Tex was bugging no one
Fearmongers planned a cull.
Now Tex the Grizzly’s famous
He made it on TV
Shot and killed by someone
For reasons I don’t see.
I may not have it all right
But really I don’t care
I only wrote this poem to honour
A misunderstood grizzly bear.
Sad story how Tex ended
But his legend’s far from gone
Just look up at the stars at night
Where his brave bear spirit shines on.
Tracey Hawryluk,
Cranberry
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