Ralph : A. Pahl and C. Sharik

Ralph is a real “live” Teddy Bear given to me by one of the counsellors who happened to be a Vietnam Veteran and was one of the staff of a PTSD retreat that a group of Vietnam Veterans and partners, including Maria and I, attended several years ago. I have found that “Ralph” has, in fact, become a large part of my coping strategy.

When my friend, Christina “Army Mom” Sharik read my poem, she penned her words and sent me a partner for Ralph. After deciding that Ralph needed a girl-friend, I called Christina’s gift, Chris. They, very happily, are sitting along side one another on my bedside table next to my lamp ~ so they are the last thing I see when I go to sleep at night, and the first thing I see when the nightmares awaken me.

Bushranger's Revetment - Poetry and Stories by Vietnam Veteran, Anthony W. (Bushranger) Pahl and friends

I have Ralph, a teddy-bear
always near in my despair.
He listens without a harsh word said
as I sob out loud my fears and dread.

He never judges or turns his back
when all I ever see is black.
He snuggles closest when I am down;
his softness wipes away my frown.

And when I’m happy, he is too;
my joy he multiplies by two.
He never argues when I’m wrong.
His loving gaze makes me feel strong.

And every night as I fall asleep
I know God and Ralph
my soul will keep.

Anthony W. Pahl
1^stOctober 2000

I am Ralph, the teddy bear -
my whole life is to serve
the gentle man who cuddles me -
but it’s less than he deserves

He was a child, a veteran -
a husband, a dad, and a son
If I can give some measure of comfort
then I know my job is done.

Page created: Monday, 28 May 2001