[Verse 1] Beside the bend where the tall reeds lean, A bear found a pool clear enough to see. His paws were muddy, his shoulders low, He watched the water hold the face he knew. [Pre-Chorus] Then a silver fish broke the quiet skin, And a ring of light let the future in. [Chorus] In the mirror, I grew my courage, Not the bear I was, but the one ahead. Water laid extra light around me, And lifted the weight from my heavy head. In the mirror, I grew my courage, One small step where the stones were steep. The river showed me a braver bear, And the braver bear was mine to keep. [Verse 2] He crossed the creek where the cold drops ran, With a trembling heart and a steady plan. The mountain wind tugged hard at his fur, But every breath made his answer sure. [Pre-Chorus] He raised his eyes to the open blue, And saw what a willing heart could do. [Chorus] In the mirror, I grew my courage, Not the bear I was, but the one ahead. Water laid extra light around me, And lifted the weight from my heavy head. In the mirror, I grew my courage, One small step where the stones were steep. The river showed me a braver bear, And the braver bear was mine to keep. [Bridge] I don’t need to roar like thunder, I don’t need to outrun the rain. Courage can be quiet as a pawprint, Still it carries me beyond the pain. [Final Verse] Now the drums grow bright like morning berries, And the banks ring clear with the sound of feet. He climbs the ridge with his chin held higher, While the river flashes beneath the trees. Every ripple adds another glimmer, Every breath turns fear into air. When he looks down, the water answers: There you are—the braver bear. [Final Chorus] In the mirror, I grew my courage, Not the bear I was, but the one ahead. Water laid extra light around me, And lifted the weight from my heavy head. In the mirror, I grew my courage, Now I know what my heart can keep. The river showed me a braver bear, And the braver bear is mine to be. [Outro] By the bend where the tall reeds lean, A brave new face shines back serene.
