by Rochelle Ratner
If asked directly, Little Stevie, at six-and-a-half, would be
quick to tell you he's too old for Teddy bears. Still, she's
taught her son manners. Gil's been trying so hard to be a
father to the boy, not like the other men she's been with.
So when Gil comes home with a new Teddy bear every
Friday, Stevie says thank you and carries the new bear to
bed with him, cuddling at least that first night. And he
sleeps through till morning, something he hasn't done since
his father left. Gil's been such a calming influence on the
child.
Rochelle Ratner's books include two novels: Bobby's Girl (Coffee House Press, 1986) and The Lion's Share (Coffee House Press, 1991) and sixteen poetry books, including House and Home (Marsh Hawk Press, 2003) and Beggars at the Wall (Ikon, October 2005). More information and links to her writing on the Internet can be found on her homepage: www.rochelleratner.com.
