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On the wings
of the black crow comes the spirits of old, treasured, discarded, lost,
forgotten, dearly beloved toys who have made a significant contribution
to our lives. Their memories live on here, in the Toys Gallery
of Glory.
The Greatest
Gift - Stephanie
Hansen
No
Nintendo Whizzes Here
-
Sharon Shubert
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I was twelve as I recall, old enough to leave him far behind,
but he’d spent every day with me for as long as I remember.
His fur was worn, his ear torn, but his love was true and pure.
He was my ally, my closest friend.
When I was whipped and that was often,
not saying I didn’t deserve it,
he was there to comfort me.
He romped with me in meadow and in woodland,
snugly riding in my knapsack.
He slept with me and listened to my chatter.
When I was sick with measles and with mumps
he sat patiently and waited till I was well again.
His name was Teddy,
just plain Teddy.
When my father passed beyond and my world turned upside down,
Teddy was ready to console. When we were forced to move from the country
into town,
“Toys must go,” my mother said, “you’ll play no more.”
She snatched Teddy from my arms and put him on the trash.
All I remember clearly is the fire
and Teddy on the trash heap with flames licking all around.
His beady eyes turned black and blistered
as he stared in pain at me.
Through tears I watched as Teddy turned to ash.
I have other Teddies now, collector bears with moving limbs all dressed
in finery.
I never have forgotten though and often think of him and the joy he brought
the child in me.
If there is a Teddy Heaven and he is looking down,
he knows I love him very much, did, and always will.
Vi (c)February 2002
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