The dancing bears perform
their joyless act daily.
They dance to the music,
dancing by rote,
dancing to the cue of their trainers,
dancing not for the love of dancing,
but to ensure food and comfort,
to survive…

And all the while they dream.
They dream of living free,
dream of enjoying life,
dream of following their hearts,
dream of finding fulfillment,
dream of escape…

Then the whistle blows,
and the shift changes,
allowing these dancing bears
to drive home to their families,
to their loved ones,
their loved ones who are
the very reason they must not
give up their life
as a dancing bear...