I think Golden Bear is a euphemism for Hepatitis C. That's the creature that's in his blood. He doesn't know when he contracted it - or why the disease wants to make its hosts gravely ill.
Escovedo is a fighter (stubborn as a tree trunk) and he survived the disease. Yet, he's not free from the memory that he could have died. He dreams about it.
The last verse could be his lingering fear of the disease. Or the dream could be an acknowledgement to those who helped him while he was ill. (My brothers battled out behind me and formed a circle 'round my grave.)
I picture the brothers forming a circle with their backs to the grave to keep danger out and protect him from death.
I think Golden Bear is a euphemism for Hepatitis C. That's the creature that's in his blood. He doesn't know when he contracted it - or why the disease wants to make its hosts gravely ill.
Escovedo is a fighter (stubborn as a tree trunk) and he survived the disease. Yet, he's not free from the memory that he could have died. He dreams about it.
The last verse could be his lingering fear of the disease. Or the dream could be an acknowledgement to those who helped him while he was ill. (My brothers battled out behind me and formed a circle 'round my grave.)
I picture the brothers forming a circle with their backs to the grave to keep danger out and protect him from death.