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TENDERNESS

Rémy Bourdon translated by
J. Appleby

I have a toy bear, From childhood until
Fur faded with time, The man I am now
Nose losing its shine, I owe him for how

Sewn up here and there. He follows me still.
His delicate hide, I owe the sweet way

His paws and his ears He held himself set
Now showing the years Refused to forget
He spent by my side. Or travel away.

My sleepy demand But voices intone:
As I lie in bed: Why keep a stuffed toy?
A bear by my head No longer a boy

In reach of my hand. I must’ve outgrown
I wake in the night, The relics of times
My dreams at an end. When bear was around

I search for my friend And innocent, found
Half-blind in the light. On paths through my mind

He lies on the floor. Some tenderness there.
I hug him so tight, And yet this one toy
When I put him right Has returned the joy

I find sleep once more. To beds of despair.

14.