Constellations (haibun)

There are many myths about the how Big Bear and Little Bear who were apparently hoisted in the sky forever to be together. I like this Greek myth. Callisto, a follower of Artemis, virgin huntress and goddess of the crescent moon. Zeus, king of gods, fell in love with her; he disguised himself as Artemis (Diana) to gain her confidence. Having tricked her, she gave birth to his son, Arcas.

Hera, Zeus wife and queen of the gods, discovered the affair and was known to be very jealous and vindictive. It is said that she is the goddess of marriages and protects women. She turned Callisto into a bear. Sixteen years later this bear came upon her son and stood on her hind legs to greet him. Arcas was about to kill the bear and Zeus interfered to save his love and turned Arcas into a small bear. Grabbing both bears by their tails, Zeus hurled them into the safety of the sky to roam forever, together in the sky. Hera enraged that her attempt had failed, appealed to Oceanus that the two might never meet his waters, hence explaining their circumpolar positions.

There are more myths that contradict this such as Arcas became king of Arcadia, but being a mom, I like the idea of mother and son together forever. So here is my haiku with the photo of the grizzly in mind.