Oh how do you take care of an elderly polar bear?
Her thick white coat is fading and it’s losing all its hair.
Her scruffy smelly winter fur is all she’s got to wear –
it’s full of holes and patches but does anybody care?
Admit her to a care home: do you really think that’s fair?
She’s a prisoner already but that’s neither here nor there.
And must they take her far away or is it nice and near?
For we can only wonder how they’ll treat her when she’s there.
And if she calls for help at night will anybody hear?
Whatever will she feed on when she can’t get polar fare?
She much prefers to eat a seal but you can’t get them here.
Don’t take her to the corner shop or shoppers must beware!
If all there is for pudding is an apple or a pear
it simply isn’t good enough so try it if you dare!
For such a sorry comedown there’s nothing can prepare.
The consummate indignity is more than she can bear.
Most people in this chilly world will never shed a tear
over less than perfect care for an elderly polar bear.
Inspired by this article on the BBC website:
How do you take care of an elderly polar bear?
Whitby Writers Group 