How many ways has the world invented to conceal--night covering the day, the noise of summer concealing Earth's bare bones behind it, a trick of dress hiding the baby within the belly, my even expression concealing the lust I feel for you. Even while we strive for honesty above all other things, still we acknowledge the greater power of that magic which takes place out of sight.

All day Ursa has prowled our skies, concealed by the glare of the sun.

All winter ursa lies concealed in her cave, hiding as well her two babies there.

For many years I have arranged my skirts and kept hidden my desire for this man.

And when shall this magic emerge? At nightfall, when the dark releases the starry bear from her solar chains. In the spring, when the thaw releases the drowsing bear from her solstice sleep. At last, when I bunch my courage in my own two hands...

At nightfall, in the spring, when I gather up my skirts in my hands and leap...
• by Anne Markel