One afternoon Geronimo

Was clearing out Nan’s shed,

And as he picked up boxes.

Sweat dripped down from his head

"Good gracious me!" he panted,

"She is a dreadful hoarder,

So it’ll take a long, long time,

To get this place in order!"

But after just a little while,

Lots of treasures had been moved,

"I’ve cracked it!" Bear sighed happily,

"At last things have improved."

But as he turned to walk away,

He heard somebody squeak,

"I’m stuck inside this kettle,

And my future’s looking bleak!"

Our furry chum spun round again,

As quickly as he could,

And soon he met a Dormouse,

Whose outlook wasn’t good.

"Oh you poor thing," He whispered

"Why are you hiding here?

"You should be in the countryside,

With all the sheep and Deer!"

The dormouse gazed up at him,

And squeaked "I realise that,

But now my life’s been ruined,

By a mangy ginger cat.

For no apparent reason.

He kept on chasing me,

So I had no other option.

But to run away you see!"

The kindly Teddy picked her up,

And whispered; "That’s a shame,

But you’re very cute and cuddly,

So I’m jolly glad you came.

I’m not surprised that mangy cat,

Was dazzled by your charms,

But no one else can hurt you,

While I’ve got you in my arms!"

"I’m so relived!" his new friend squeaked,

"He had such evil eyes,

But at least now he’s unable,

To take me by surprise!"

"My christian name is Debbie,"

She added with a smile,

"I was hoping you’d be willing,

To let me stay a while."

"I could go back to the country,

But that cat will still be there,

What I really need’s an owner,

Who will give me loving care!"

Geronimo grinned broadly.

"You’ve won my heart," laughed he,

"But first I need advice from Nan,

As very wise is she."

He picked up the cuddly Doormouse,

And carried her inside,

"This really is incredible,

Look who I’ve found!" he cried.

"A mangy cat was chasing her,

So in your shed she hid,

She’s very soft and furry,

So I’m jolly glad she did!"

When she saw Delightful Debbie,

The old woman winked at Bear,

"You’re absolutely right," she smiled,

"A cracker you’ve got there!"

"I’m very fond of Dormice,

And they aren’t too hard to keep,

You see their needs are simple,

All they do is eat and sleep!"

"Oh really?" Teddy giggled,

I was hoping you’d say that,

Could you possibly phone Jane up,

And have a little chat.

Poor Debbie is now homeless,

Which is sad as sad can be,

It would solve her many problems,

If she came to stay with me!!"

"Id keep her fed and watered,

And cuddle her each day,

But I need someone tactful,

To help me pave the way."

"Oh do you now?" Nan answered,

"That is a big surprise!"

And as she went to make the call,

She raised her knowing eyes.

She came back again in minutes,

And Bear asked "How did it go?

I really cannot cope with this,

Don’t tell me she said no!"

"Oh lighten up!" Came the reply,

"Your face is much too long,

Because, not for the first time,

You’re reading things all wrong!"

"Do what?" Shrieked our Geronimo,

"Don’t tell me she said yes,

Oh Nan, you’re just amazing,

I knew you’d have success!"

"Hold on," said the old woman,

"For there are conditions too,

You must look after Debbie here,

The way you promised to!"

"I will," grinned Teddy happily,

"This is a dream come true,

Now we’ve got a happy ending,

And all because of you!"

He gazed lovingly at Dormouse,

Who had fallen fast asleep,

And whispered "Things are looking up,

Because you’re mine to keep."

He kissed his Nan upon the cheek,

Then headed out the door,

And as for little Debbie,

Well she’s being chased no more!

THE END.