Childhood Friends

When a little girl carries her doll
with her matching dress and bows
and makes her walk and talk
and takes her wherever she goes
Her mom and dad beam
to see such a scene
and say she's as sweet as a rose.

When a little boy carries his teddy
till teddy is dirty and worn
and his nose is rubbed bare
and his ribbon has torn
His teacher will grin
and let teddy come in
to keep him from looking forlorn.

When boys and girls have grown
dolls and teddies go away
And woe to those who still admit
they secretly want them to stay.
Folks say you are mental
and too sentimental
if you continue to play.

But what if that weren't the case
and grown ups had teddies and dolls
and carried them around each day
to their offices and malls?
We could carry soft things
spread the joy that each brings
and not have to hide behind walls.