Tenderheart Bear

His teacher gave an assignment
On his first day of school,
She told the kids to write a book
On things they thought were cool.
She said they could draw pictures
Like in all the books they read,
But she said to be creative
And this is what his said:

"My baby rabbit is one thing that I love,
and my house, that I drew this picture of.
I love my family and a sunny summer day
and red would be the only color if I had my way."
 "I love my teacher, she said I could go far
and I like Skeletor and my cool racecar,
but my best things, just in case you care,
are great big shiny red balloons and Tenderheart Bear."

Fifteen years down the road, 
When he was all grown up
I was cleaning out my closet
And putting things in the truck
I came across a cardboard box 
I opened it to take a look
And there it was with my letters and cards... 
Joeys book.

Carefully I opened it 
And began to take a look
At all the things he'd wrote 
And colored in his special book.
Though he'd been only five years old 
He'd had the sense to know
I'd need something to take me back 
To those precious years with my Joe.

Now my Joey's grown and gone 
With his own family.
He's stationed in the Army 
Far across the sea.
I wish for him all happiness 
And love because it's rare,
But I'll always keep for him 
His book and Tenderheart Bear.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Coulstock Avatar
December 5, 2010 at 7:28 PM
Betty Hi.This is a gorgeous simple piece packed with emotion.a weepy for me touching my maternal heart strings.Sometimes love, especially for mums means letting go.I wish your grown up boy safe.Lovely all their childhood memories to treasure and bring comfort in times of need.A really nice poem.Thank you for the pleasure it gave me. Love June(Sylvia)
Goff Avatar
November 30, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Betty, I almost broke out in tears....great write!.....mail....jimbo
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace