The Teddybear

My house awash with lots of gifts
and dinner at an end,
Our family have healed the rifts
and calm now will descend.

Our bellies full we take a walk
around our local park.
Each one of us engrossed in talk,
we see a sight so stark.

A mom and son are looking
for food inside the bins.
For them, there’ll be no cooking,
just butts and orange skins.

The mother with her sad pale face
must feed her baby boy.
Of haute cuisine there is no trace
nor sign of any joy.

I see them now both gaunt and thin,
I don’t want to delay.
I curse the sad world we live in
for them to starve today.

This life is often just not fair;
when people die alone.
But sadly I don’t really care -
we really should get home.

A nice warm fire, a welcome sight
to be back home is great.
For we’ll all sleep in warmth tonight,
to brim I’ll fill my plate.

“Come on, my son, it’s time for bed
and bring your teddy too
and place him near your precious head
Like little babies do.”

But John he looked a little sad
and said with head bent down;
“Mom I’ve done something really bad.
I’m sure I’ll make you frown.”

“What is it dear? We’ll sort it out.
Just tell me what you’ve done.
Whatever is this all about?
You should be having fun.”

“My teddy, mom, I’ve thrown away
inside the rubbish bin.
I’m sorry that I’ve spoiled your day.
Is it a mortal sin?”

“But darling, why? You love that ted.
What made you let it go?
What will you now have in your bed
to hug and cuddle so?”

“I’m sorry, mom, I have a lot
of toys and special things
That little boy - seems he did not
get toys that santa brings.

So I put my ted inside the bin,
so when he comes to see,
he’ll find a treat when he looks in -
a little gift from me.”

I looked at him, his eyes so bright;
my heart it swelled with pride.
I hugged him close to me that night.
I cried and cried and cried.

Humility I learned that day.
More care I will employ.
He’s thought me well, my little ray
of sunshine, precious boy.