Shirokuma Pon

Peace was born at the Tobe Zoo in Ehime.
Two cubs were born, but one was injured by its mother and, despite all efforts to nurse it,
passed away.
The remaining cub, Peace, could not be raised by its mother due to her inexperience,
leading to the first instance of artificial rearing.
Initially, it was raised at the zoo, but that was deemed insufficient, so a zookeeper
took it home to provide 24-hour care.
After that, through devoted care, it grew to 14 kilograms, making home care difficult,
and it was moved to the zoo.
At first, it cried constantly after being left behind.
It cried until its voice grew hoarse.
Artificial rearing of polar bears is difficult and they rarely live long,
but Peace is still alive today.

Watching NHK TV, we all found ourselves crying at some point.
Peace...
You miss your mother, don't you?
But she isn't there.
From today, Ms. Takaichi is your mother.
Peace the polar bear joined a family of four, making the house lively.
Wherever she went, she was with Ms. Takaichi, who took the place of her mother.
Even on walks. She would trot along behind her.
The milk from the baby bottle is delicious, isn't it?
Ms. Takaichi raised her without sleeping.
Peace...
You're not a bear anymore, you're becoming human.
That's why, now...
You have to let go.

I read everyone's haiku while thinking of this story.
Since this is purely my own inspiration, I hope you will forgive me if my interpretation
differs from your own.
And please also forgive me for straying from the true story of Peace.

Inhaling the frozen air, a winter morning
Peace, isn't it fun? Going for a walk with Ms. Takaichi. Is this what a mother is?
I should just keep following her, right? I'll follow you...

On a snowy night, I definitely heard the sound of a bell
Mother
Thank you for giving birth to me. Such a warm home. Such kind people. I'm glad I was born. It's all thanks to you, Mother. But my home is in a cold place... so they say I can't stay here...

｜Drawing a white circle, snow falls on Christmas｜
Hey, hey, something white is falling! I wonder if I could go to my hometown...
I wonder if I could meet my mother...

White breath flying, as if not to lose to the north wind
Ms. Takaichi, I won't lose. But I'm lonely. Ms. Takaichi, come here... come by my side...

Looking up, a ladder of angels, spring is near
I can't wait for spring. I wonder if I can play with Ms. Takaichi more.
Oh, a rainbow. Hey, look... spring is coming, isn't it...

With a star chart in hand, Mom and the winter constellations
Mother. No matter how many times I call, you won't come? Ms. Takaichi, I'm lonely...

A polar bear dreaming, the North Star
Do you know my dream? To return to my country with Mother, Ms. Takaichi, and my brothers.
I wonder if that star will listen if I pray to it.
But, I'm really glad I was born... Thank you...

Still living with unhealed wounds, basking in the sun
For some reason, Peace lost her emotional balance.
Even now, when she's not feeling well, she just sleeps.

The dawn moon lingers, what did you want to say?
You dream, don't you? You don't want to wake up yet, do you... Mother,
there are times when I cry, asking what you wanted to say, too.

A mild autumn day, a one-way ticket
Godif you gave me this ticket, I'd want to go to Ms. Takaichi's house. I'd want to meet Mother
and my brothers too.