lost effort

big black bear
wandering through the forest
alone, but
strong, protected, capable
comes across a campground
smelling food
becomes determined
he works on
bearproof container
responsibly locked by humans
he argues and finesses
pulls and pounds
until finally
container gives
he smiles to himself
proud of his effort
smaller black bear
standing in the background
receives the container
all the work he did
wasn’t for himself
but for her
she appreciates the gift
and walks away
wondering
why he didn’t give both containers to her