A Poem from my School Days

We all have a teddy bear, haven't we? Well you should do. This is mine, he sits on a shelf in my bedroom and watches the world go by. He is actually my teddy which I just had to have in the days of The Bear Factory. Both my boys had their own teddy made in the Bear Factory and one even had a voice popped in it and a heartbeat. I didn't want to be left out so had one of my own, just so that I could join in the whole bear experience and dress it up. 

I know!! I do remember how old I am but I don't think you are ever to old for a teddy bear. 

Which brings me onto my verse for today. Many years ago as a young little Sue I took part in The Derby Arts Festival with my school. My mum will tell you how very stressful this was for her and bless her it would have been when I remember how little confidence I had and somedays it was even a struggle to get me to school. I rehearsed and practised along with my friends who were also taking part and the day came around. It was time for my performance, my mum sat by herself out of choice in the event that, if I didn't manage it and bottled out at the last moment, it really didn't matter. So what happened.......I only recited the following poem and received a distinction for it!!! One of my proudest moments and a big huge relief for my mum. 

So here it is and I can still recite most of it today after all these years..........

Teddy Bear by Aileen Fisher

Teddy was under the lilac bush 
when the snow went away, we found him there.
And one of his shoe button eyes was lost 
and the shine had gone from his yellow hair.

But teddy blinked with his last black eye
and said that he really didn't care
(except that his cave was a trifle cold)
as long as we came and found him there.

And he said with a smile on his white yarn mouth
that REAL bears slept in a cave or lair 
All through the winter.....and if they could,
well then, why couldn't a TEDDY bear?

A great memory which I will remember always.

Aileen Fisher wrote more than 100 books for children, she died on 2nd December 2002 at the age of 96. 

Thank you for reading.........

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