Forever a Child

He’s a worldwide explorer
A caring friend to all
He was never made for a child’s clumsy hands,
But he made his way into mine
His unkempt fur is hazelnut brown
His chocolate eyes are always smiling,
He smells like the diverse Amazon rainforest at twilight

A baby’s crystal blue tears
A toddler’s worst tantrum
A little kid’s garden adventure
A young scholar’s infinite imagination
A student’s grateful hug
My old bear has seen it all

Vivid lights illuminating a dark harbour
He slips out of my hand for a moment,
But I catch him just in time
For he would never leave me,
No matter how old I become