The teddy bear
sits out the storm
completely sodden
leaves run before
the thunder
leaping over
his outstretched arms
like frightened animals
he comforts a leaf
in his hand
it tames to his touch
angels descend
here & there
turned to stone
by their grief
they guard
the graves
from the wrath
of the storm
howling like
a jealous God
a headless
angel
its head
at its feet
continues
to pray
despite its mortal
injury
the teddy
tied to the wreath
gazes at the child
held still in marble
reads again
& again
'JEAN
3 YEARS
DEARLY BELOVED
DAUGHTER.'
Dónall Dempsey
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/teddy-for-ruthie/
