Teddy Bears

A Friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

Where do Teddy Bears Originate From?

The most popular story is the one about the 26th president of the United States, Theeodore Roosevelt.

On November 16, 1902, the issue of the Washington Star carried a cartoon of President Roosevelt standing with a rifle in his hand, his back turned to a frightened bear cub. The caption reads,

"Drawing the line in Mississippi"

While on the hunting trip, Roosevelt's hosts had wanted him to return with a trophy.

One version of the story has them cornering a bear cub and Roosevelt refusing to fire. Inspired by the cartoon, a Russian immigrant, Morris Michton, began displaying two of

"Teddy's Bears"

next to the cartoon in the window of his store.

His wife had made the plush bears. Michton sought and received permission from President Roosevelt to call them

"Teddy's Bears"

The teddy bears were a resounding success but, unfortunately, Michton failed to take out a patent or register a trademark.

Many other companies entered the teddy bear business.

Teddy Bear

Looking at you with your mouth sewn on
I wish mine could be the same
Your plastic eyes unseeing and innocent
The one who never takes the blame

You've been with me for all my life
A symbol of when I was just as dumb
Unable to speak to say stupid things
Only open my mouth to put in my thumb

If only my mouth were sewn on like yours
I couldn't say anything that would hurt
If only I were just a bit of fur and fluff
With no heart to have dragged through the dirt

My eyes see all, they're not made of plastic
My mouth opens wide and it speaks
My arms aren't opened in a neverending hug
and my heart isn't fluff, it beats.

© Cassandra Bourgeois 2004

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