Panda Folklore

Once upon a time

in China’s bamboo woods

a young girl with a tender heart

found a friend

a bear cub—

pure and white.

in swift and silent terror

a leopard struck

the cuddly cub,

the girl leapt

brave and bold

saved its life

lost her own.

White cubs gathered,

paws dusted in ash and grief

wiped their eyes,

dark rings etched

sorrow’s mark

forevermore

group hugs

embracing—

their fur stained black

no more

white bears lingered,

only pandas

vow to honor life.