Squirrel saw Paddington Bear on the luggage reclaim rack in Malta airport.  After quite some time, he was plucked from his revolutions by a toothless, smiling and thoroughly naughty looking child.   Squirrel was reminded of a poem she once wrote in her youth, and which she is pleased (and somewhat surprised) to be able to recall, here for your entertainment.

Valentine II

If valentines were teddy bears,

Then I must seem a little forlorn.

But I know you don't mind that my leg's falling off,

And my ears seem a little too worn.

I was sewn and stuffed and packaged,

Mass produced in a big factory. 

I was shipped off and sold in a tacky toy store,

Then I hoped you'd take good care of me.

And for years we were always together,

Day and night, hand in paw, you and I,

I was thumped, I was bumped when we played all your games,

I was soaked with your tears when you cried.

Now I sit at the back of your cupboard,

But I don't mind the dust or the cold,

Because when life is hard, and you're lonely or scared,

I'm still the old bear that you hold.