The above image comes from The Gathering. The young man on the right is a very young James Weaselgrease (to use my son’s steampunk performance name). He is the child in this story who Salamandra rescues and to whom she gives her bear.

James Weaselgrease and the bear

She gave me this small toy bear

Torn, battered, restored with care

Softness in my open arms

Best of magic, best of charms.

Old toy bear to ward off fear

Wonky face and sewn up ear

Damaged but not yet destroyed

Comforting, my spirits buoyed

Courage with a messy face

Saved, repaired and full of grace

Saw who I could choose to be

Found the hope to uplift me.

Nights are long and dark and grim

Demons tear us limb from limb

Days are cold and grim and grey

Much to steal your life away.

Even in the darkness, light

Find the means to live and fight

Fill this time with something good

Do the best, the most we could.

In each tiny action seek

Kindest ways, protect the weak

Every chance there is for joy

All your wits and strength deploy

She gave me this bear to hold

Ease my fear and make me bold

Do for others what I can

And this is how my work began.

Image at the top by Tom Brown, poem by Nimue, bear by Dr Abbey.