I. Discarded Teddy

Out for my morning walk
a teddy bear, caught my eye
discarded, lying limp on the kerbside
one eye, hung by a thread
missing an ear, and most of his fur
I sensed an awakening
as if this old bear
was talking to me
please take me home mister
I’ve more love to give
how many feel this way
discarded from life
no longer anyone’s concern
all that bear needs
is another chance at life
and to feel some love.

II. Teddy Comes Home

From the kerbside
to my place
Teddy came home
no longer discarded
a place to call home
needle and thread
to reattach an ear
Teddy now lives close to my heart.

III. Teddy’s Found Love

Teddy bear, is enjoying living at my place
showing no fear
this old bear, has found new love
if he had two eyes
they’d be only for Miss Dolly
who finds Teddy quite jolly
they make quite a pair
as they snuggle away
living room love
on my couch.

Andrew Ballard lives in Adelaide. He was a petty officer medical in the Royal Australian Navy for 11 years, following which he worked for medical companies selling devices and instruments, then as a support worker in mental health, and a support worker and first-aid instructor in aged care. Diagnosed with Systemic Mastocytosis, he took early retirement, with digital art, and enjoyably lawn bowls, becoming activities. With 2020’s COVID year then also impacting, especially on the bowls, he turned to writing and in quick succession since last November has seen his poetry published in the US in the inaugural edition of the New Jersey Mignolo Arts Group’s journal, and the New York poetry journal ‘Open Skies’. More of his poetry, and short stories, can be found here.

Readers’ original and unpublished poems of up to 40 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to [email protected]. Submissions should be in the body of the email, not as attachments. A poetry book will be awarded to each accepted contributor.