My apologies to the teddy bears

By Matthew Parish, Associate Editor

Monday 17 August 2026

My dear little bears, please forgive me today,

I hurried and hurried and rushed on my way.

The morning ran fast, full of papers and calls,

With lists without endings and ringing white walls.

I saw you all waiting, so quiet, so kind,

With your button-bright eyes and your soft patient minds.

You asked for no words, you made not a sound,

Yet I felt your small hearts as I hurried around.

I did not forget you, not even a bit,

You travelled with me in the thoughts where I sit.

Between every sentence, each figure and line,

You were there, little bears, keeping watch over mine.

So now I am here, and I thank you for this:

For your warm silent trust and your unspoken kiss.

Forgive me this morning, so busy, so tight,

Tonight I will speak to you slowly, all right.

Sleep softly, my bears, with no worries to keep.

You are loved in the rush, and you are loved in the sleep.