A Life Lost Long Ago

A Life Lost Long Ago

My teddy is hiding
under my bed,
worn and torn,
thinking of a life long ago.

His life long ago
When he was first presented to me
As a present from my grandmother at birth,
And now
He is just a sentimental memory
of her for me.

His life long ago
when I dragged him
to my friends' houses for sleepovers,
And he heard the crushes that changed form year to year,
And all of the shared gossip-
from "She stole my crayon!" to, "She said WHAT about me?!"

Life long ago
when I was sad, when I was angry,
when I had a bad dream.
He was always there,
Waiting for me to come cuddle him in my arms.

And now
That I am older,
I refuse to give him up.
To give up that devoted little teddy bear,
From my life long ago.