Immobile and so gently soft
Rounded candy eyes
Whiff of chocolate maybe coffee
Delicate, a silent friend
Comforting and so full of life
But no heart.

The teddy bear my mother sent me
For Easter?
I think it was.

Sweet, so quiet
Like a little girl twirling in polka dots once again
Not a care in the world
Chasing and racing
Planning and leading games
All my teachers loved me
And loathed me
Because I challenged them
Circling in dark pink and red
Why? How?

Young lipsticked face in too big high heels
Play dress up, I'll wear white
I spoke and dreamed of princes
But I never cut out perfect pictures
I made my own dolls instead.

3D crafted pictures, grandmama taught me how to sew
We ate meatloaf and the best rice
Rocking chair, daddy's sweet little girl
Not a care in the world
Resilient.
Gentle as this teddy bear

I get back in touch with that girl.