How the bears decided to share teddy love
(By Kris Meares)

It was night time in the lounge room, all the humans were in bed
When the bears all gathered tightly in a group to hear “Big Ted”.
“I suppose that you are wondering why I’ve asked you all to meet,”
Said Big Ted amongst the shuffling of restless furry feet.
“I don’t know if you have noticed, but sometimes on the TV
I’ve seen people who are crying and unhappy and lonely.
Now I know we can’t fix all problems, but we can help, just a bit
If we share our teddy love around - it’s sure to be a hit.
We’ve got open ears to listen when people need to talk things out
And we never, ever answer back, so they’ll never have to shout.
We’ve got fur or fabric bodies that make for great, big hugs
And our arms are open wide to share lots of teddy love.
I think that some of us should go to live in other places
To Spread our teddy love around and put smiles on lots more faces.”

There was a murmur of agreement from the bears who’d gathered round,
Then a little voice was heard amidst the louder sounds.
“That’s such a good idea Big Ted, but I just want to know,
“How do we decide who is going to stay and who is going to go?
Now Big Ted scratched his furry head, considering the request,
When a floral bear stepped forward and said, “I think that it is best,
If the bears sent on this mission are those of us just here,
Who have only just arrived, so can leave with fewer tears.
We will gladly venture out to spread our brand of teddy love
We’ll brighten people’s houses and share our teddy hugs.
We have floral fabric instead of fur, so can be dusted instead of washed
And travelling via Australia Post won’t make us look too squashed!
We’ll blend with decorating that’s country or shabby chic,
And we’ll cheer up lots of people with our colours in under a week!”

Big Ted nodded sagely, agreeing with what she’d said,
He smiled and patted the floral bear gently on the head.
“You’re very brave to volunteer to spread teddy joy this way
And as you go, remember, we’ll think of you each day.
And if you’re feeling lonely or missing your friends here,
Just look inside your teddy heart and you’ll feel as though we’re near.”
So out into the world they go, these spreaders of teddy cheer
To share their love in brand new homes and lend a listening ear.
They’re very cute and well behaved, they never fuss or fight
Though sometimes they may play and laugh and dance round late at night!
They’ll be your friend when you are blue and cheer you with a smile
You’ll enjoy their pretty colours that match many decorating styles.
And if you sometimes notice your bear staring into space,
She’s just thinking of her teddy friends, with a smile upon her face!