Published: April, 2021
Location: PoetsOnline.org, specifically Toys.
Genesis: When my son Sam was very young, I made up a song about Ted, his favourite toy. I sang it a lot, especially as I was dressing him after his nightly bath. It’s not exactly Gershwin, but I was quite pleased with it, and the way it could be extended as required.
So when the Toys prompt turned up at PoetsOnline.org last month, I could not resist weaving the Ted song into a new poem (in italics), almost like a chorus. I hope you enjoy it. (Fun Fact: I’ve not shared this with Sam yet. I’m waiting to see how long it takes him to find this poem here ;-))
Your constant companion, Teddy-Doo,
He’s the one that you’re devoted to.
For the first few years, we even had two,
And we rotated the sub on the bench.
Ted-Ted-Ted’s got a furry little nose.
Ted-Ted-Ted’s got a furry little nose.
Ted-Ted-Ted’s got a furry little nose
And he’s Your. Best. Friend.
He’s been left in a car park, spent the night in a tree.
So many adventures, I wonder how it can be
That he survived all this time, now just a little scruffy,
Needing stuffing, sewing, repairs.
Ted-Ted-Ted’s got a furry little tail.
Ted-Ted-Ted’s got a furry little tail.
Ted-Ted-Ted’s got a furry little tail
And he’s Your. Best. Friend.
In less than two years, you’ll be driving a car!
You’re really turning out to be a true little star.
Yet when you’re in bed, Teddy’s never too far,
Often lying on your pillow, by your head.
Ted-Ted-Ted’s got furry little ears.
Ted-Ted-Ted’s got furry little ears.
Ted-Ted-Ted’s got furry little ears
And he’s Your. Best. Friend.
He’s a big part of our lives, and a big part of yours,
And now he’s getting floppy, from his head down to his paws.
I no longer sing about his body parts because
Your biology is now better than mine!
Ted-Ted-Ted is a little old and grey
And Dad-Dad-Dad is heading the same way.
Ted-Ted-Ted is a little old and grey
And we’re Your. Best. Friends.