One cold and frosty Saturday,

Geronimo the Bear,

Was sitting by the fireside,

And felt like staying there.

"Jane must be mad," he murmured,

"The roads are very icy,

And yet she’s still gone shopping,

Which to me seems really dicey!"

"Some folk may call me boring,

But I much prefer it here,

I won’t move from this cosy spot,

Of that please have no fear."

Feeling ever so contented,

He closed his sleepy eyes,

Then someone rang the doorbell,

And he jumped up in surprise!

"Oh bother!" cried our Furry Friend,

"Why can’t they go away,

Because I was enjoying,

This rather restful day!"

But when he opened up the door,

He didn’t feel so glum,

For standing on the doorstep,

Was a very special Chum.

Little Liam from across the road,

Had braved the ice and snow,

"I’m glad you’re in," he giggled,

"I’ve come to say "Hello!"

"Come in, come in!" smiled Teddy,

"I’ll make a cup of tea,

You sit here by the fire,

Where it’s cosy as can be!"

The smiling boy said "Thank you,

It’s freezing cold outside,

But after I’ve warmed up a bit,

I’ll soon be satisfied!"

He sat down in the armchair,

And sighed "Oh this feels great,

You’d better put the kettle on,

Before it is too late!"

Our Hero laughed "Don’t worry,

It’s coming up right now,

I’m off to warm the tea pot,

As only I know how."

He hurried to the kitchen,

Leaving Liam all alone,

Soon the little boy groaned "Goodness,

I don’t like it on my own!"

Then he noticed that a cheeky clown,

Was sitting on the shelf,

And thought "I’ll go and talk to him,

As he’s all by himself.

I know I’m only little,

But he isn’t far away,

I’ll hold on to the furniture,

So upright I can stay."

Things started off extremely well,

But then they went awry,

He got too close to the fire,

Instead of walking by.

But just as he was leaning,

Against the fireguard,

Geronimo came back indoors,

Are stared at him so hard.

"You silly boy!" he shouted,

(Grabbing Liam as he spoke,)

"You’ve put yourself in danger,

And that’s quite beyond a joke.

In case you hadn’t noticed,

The fire is so hot,

If you don’t come away right now,

You’ll hurt yourself a lot!"

His little friend was startled,

He cried "I’d no idea,

I hope that you won’t throw me out,

Because I like it here."

"Of course I won’t!" Bear answered,

"But you caused me great alarm,

When I saw what you were doing,

I was scared you’d come to harm!""

"If that fireguard had fallen,

You would now be in a state,

I wanted to protect you,

Because you are my mate."

"Oh that’s okay," smiled Liam,

"You were looking out for me,

I promise that in future,

More careful I will be!"

"In that case," grinned Geronimo,

"My morning’s been worthwhile,

Now it’s time we drank that tea up,"

He added with a smile.

They sat down by the fire,

And then they sipped away,

Then the little boy cried "Goodness,

I must be on my way!"

"If I am late for dinner,

Then Mum will be upset,

Thanks for giving me a warning,

That I will not forget."

"My pleasure," Answered Teddy,

"That’s just what friends are for,"

And then his little playmate,

Headed homeward bound once more!

THE END.

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