After the war…

After the war …

In 1946 I was aged just two, when my dad came home from war,
I stood with my mom waiting for him, at the rarely used front door.
I didn’t know him when he came marching up our street,
I cried when he picked me up, he said for me he had a treat.

He had a big rucksack, too heavy for me to lift,
Dad said, ” look inside and you will find a gift ”
I found a leather handbag all shiny and new,
I loved that little handbag, in fact I still do.

Inside was a little mirror, that made me smile,
I sat on the floor and played with it for awhile.
I still have the handbag, I will treasure it forever,
No money would make me part with it, no never.

Deeper in the rucksack I found a black and white panda bear,
I cuddled and loved him and called him my own Pandy bear.
I may be getting older but Pandy is still loved and cuddled each day,
I never go out, or go to sleep, without picking him up, come what may.

Pandy sits on my bedroom chair,
Don’t tell me he can only stare.
He’s been a constant comfort, throughout my life,
He always there for me through trouble or strife.

He wears underwear knitted by my best friends mom,
His clothes are made from curtains sewn by my mom.
He’s wearing a skirt, but he doesn’t care,
He is my Pandy, my very own panda bear.

My dad served in Egypt, photos and letters I have plenty,
When I look at them now, tears flow until I’m empty.
How I wish I could see him again, marching up our street,
Now I would laugh with joy, I certainly would not weep.

When I go on that final journey, I know not when or where,
One thing is certain, I will take with me my Pandy bear.
I will then meet up again, with my lovely mom and dad,
That is something to look forward to so I will not be sad.

Pauline Round