My Teddy

This is a poem I wrote about my best friend when I was growing up, and about my worries for his future. It accompanies the recording made for Audioboo.

My Teddy

He was given to me on the day I was born

Loved so much, he's now ragged and worn

When learning to walk, I'd sit on his face

Until rested, and then off I would race

I made stories up where he was the hero

So brave and fierce, but always so gentle

That I wanted to marry a man like Ted

Instead of the monster I eventually wed

I'd cry on him, make him soggy with tears

And for a while, I could forget my fears

Teddy was special, a growling Ted

Until the day he was bashed on my head

By a jealous fiend, my little brother

So Ted was operated on by mother

Who then knitted a cardie to cover his scar

Which he still wears today...oh Teddy you are

So special to me

And what will happen when I die?

Will you go to Teddy Heaven in the sky?

No collector's piece despite your age

I can't bear you ending up in the garbage

So to save myself from endless worry

Wherever I go, you'll go with me!

AE

This is me and Ted being held by my paternal grandfather, a very, very sweet man who was diagnosed with dementia when I was very young. He adored me as I was his first "real" grandchild. My grandmother is also shown, with an aunt, uncle and cousin.

Here we are again, this time with Mum on the right.

And finally...here is the fiendish brother, with me behind the chair. Also shown are Penny and Pippa, our wire haired fox terriers. Poor Ted never did growl again.