A Wayward Bear

                                  Or, Teddy’s Villanelle

 

What, then, can be done with a wayward bear

who pilfers your food when you turn your back?

Simply keep him firm in your loving care.

 

Bears love to eat—of that we are aware;

of thirst and appetite they have no lack.

What, then, can be done with a wayward bear?

 

Some night, as you hear creaking up your stair,

you see Ted with some cold ales in his sack;

simply keep him firm in your loving care.

 

Now, you could fume, and fuss, and stomp, and swear,

but Teddy’s fierce, though plush, and might attack.

What, then, can be done with a wayward bear?

 

Lunch time draws near—suddenly, from his lair

the bruin sneaks, opens the fridge a crack;

simply keep him firm in your loving care.

 

Fillet of salmon?  I saw it somewhere,

but with that Teddy, it’s hard to keep track!

What, then, can be done with a wayward bear?

Simply keep him firm in your loving care.

 

                           —D. W. McMillen

                              27 April 2008

Back