Neggles Bear Goes To War Poem by MarieAntoinette Ford

When Bertie went away to war so much was on his mind
For he had to leave his wife and brand new son behind
Turned his head at the street corner, waved and blew a kiss
To the loved ones in his life he would so desperately miss

Unbeknown to Bertie and packed within his kit
Were pairs of socks his wife had stayed up late at night to knit
A letter and few photos wrapped in a change of underwear
And pushed down in the corner, was little Neggles bear

Elsie cried for days in secret, though knew it had to be
That her beloved Bertie had to fight for his country
‘A better life for us’ he said as they cuddled in the night
Bertie had learned already that nothing is gained without a fight

Neggles bear was feeling anxious for he had done all this before
When Berties dad had fought for freedom in the First World War
They saw so many dreadful sights, until Tom finally got hit
Got sent home with a shattered leg and Neggles in his pocket

Bertie had not forgotten the stories that his father had told
When cuddled under blankets to keep out all the cold
For work was out the question if you had a gammy leg
And Tom was far to proud a man to be seen to go and beg

Tom passed on his dreams in stories with Bertie on his knee
Told his son of the wonderful future that one day would be
Even kissed him on the cheek once, which was something very rare
An action never seen before by Neggles teddy bear

Now Neggles bear and Bertie were off to war once more
Bertie very anxious, Neggles having seen it all before
Last time it was the trenches, this time it would be tanks
Both times to fight for their country with very little thanks

Little Neggles was uncertain of where his place should be
As a mascot to young Bertie or to comfort poor Elsie
But Elsie knew that Bertie had brought a soldier home before
And hoped beyond hope that he could do the same once more

Once Bertie had found Neggles in the corner of his kit
He kissed him on the cheek, just once, and placed him in his pocket
Felt so very safe again knowing that Elsie cared so much
To send her love with Neggles so they would always be in touch