Marygrace Snook

Hannah's Dancing Bear Marygrace Snook

Perhaps the author could say Hannah's Dancing Bear is a recycling project-so much better than the original.

About sixty years ago, when the author was in the third or fourth grade, the teacher told her to write a poem. The subject: her own teddy bear, George. Her older cousin had "kidnapped" George from some girl and gave him to her.

George had no eyes, and one ear was torn half off. There's lots of wear and tear in teddy bear's life. Marygrace loved George. He was old and experienced in raising children. Nevertheless, George gave her years of joy. He was faithful and the best secret keeper she has ever known.

When her dad moved their family to the West Coast, George remained in New York with so many childhood memories. She was seventeen. Many would say that she was too old for a teddy bear. In some ways that may have been true, for the seasons of our lives change. However, when she looks back into her memories, George is always there. He keeps all those memories in a safe place where they remain unchanged by time.

To this day, she has never seen a bear that looks like George.

Marygrace would never have guessed that her love of stuffed furry bears would bring her to write this poem for her dear granddaughter. Together, Hannah the Dancing Bear and Marygrace will have this happy, warm, and fuzzy memory to share through the years; and they invite all other children to join them. After you enjoy this poem, you may want to make your own special memories with your own bear, bunny, or other toy.