Kathleen, Gladly, Teleri

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Tue, 08 Oct 2024
  • 187 reads
8 comments
 

Kathleen
Each night I took with me to bed
my rag-doll called Kathleen.
I rubbed the hat-frill on her head
– the clothes soon looked unclean.

“For Christmas she can have some more
new clothes.” – They did not say
inside her clothes there was but straw
– a new doll came to stay!

At first that hat-frill felt so stiff,
and to my fingers, starchy.
But soon got limp, and the inner stuff
I think more squeezed and squashy!

They told me later what they’d done
– the ‘Kathleen’ substitution!
And I’d been happy with each one
not knowing the deception!

Gladly
I had a dark brown tubby bear.
They said his name was ‘Gladly’.
I, of its strangeness unaware,
just glad I found him cuddly!

Much later it was all explained.
Someone (my Dad heard share)
a hymn-line misquoted, strained:
‘Gladly my cross I [‘d] bear.’
                        [eyed]
Teleri
A tom-boy pleased to help my Dad
investigate the engine of his car,
and climb, and fight (!) a friendly lad,
but when suggested would I care
to have a train-set for my gift
I was resolved and wouldn’t shift –
Desired a doll, in this was firm
and would not turn.
My father with regret
gave up his wistful longing
of enjoying playing, sharing
a daughter’s boxed train-set!

The memories of the names of Kathleen and the doll, Teleri are a bit vague, I think Kathleen was probably  ‘Kaffleen’ to me in those days! I think the eyes of the bear were rather close together, though that meant nothing to me then!

[IP: childhood toy]

Certificate U
Poem
Families
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by Di_Hard on

I loved your description of being a tom-boy and play-fighting :0) You have brought happy family life and care and love into your poem about toys. Cross-eyed Bear made me smile, too. I guess not wanting the train set but being interested in your Dad's car engine was an early sign of your fascination for learning how things work, engines or natural phenomena

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you. Actually my sister and parents were so much into literature and well-read, I got to a point where I felt if I took an interest in science and space exploration, I could hold my own, my own 'field of knowledge' beginning that they knew little about! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you for the cherries! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

What a lovely memory Rhiannon. Your doll must have been very special to you. I don't think we ever forget those significant childhood dolls and the moments of pleasure they gave us.

I actually still have my teddy that was given to me when I was born, he's older than myself and was played with by my son as a youngster, now he sits in his rightful place on my dressing table beside my bed, and I love him dearly.

Thanks for inspiring my own memories Rhiannon. Lovely read.

Jenny.

 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Jenny. Glad it stirred nice memories! Your waiting month is slipping by now. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Pikkie has been sleeping with me almost fifteen years every night next to my pillow now he's a tough little guy has no damage. He has a red sleeping cap with green dots a white furry rim and white tassel and his little ABC Biker jacket with a little zip he never takes off. For winter he has his own wooly green sleeping bag. Sturdy little bear.

Good advise to anyone sleeping alone is getting yourself a teddybear. But Pikkie says now he refuses to eat or to sleep until Miranda comes home. I said maybe you won't die. Let's hope.

My favourite child hood toy was a little box peddle car I loved ramming into the garage door over and over to impress the little neighbour girl. It started then already. I have a photo. Two years old. My favourite record was the Teddybear's Picnic I still know all the words off by heart. Picking up pebbles. And Elvis just wants to be … 

It looks like heavy rain starting outside, Goodnight wherever you are!

From me and Pikkie, Precious time is slipping away & Tommy

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Interesting! Who is Miranda? Rh

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Good question! Will have to think about it. Does it affect you?

My insanity is getting better!