Bartholomew And Clare

Gather round all you little kiddies

Got a story I'd like to share

Bout a tiny mouse named Bartholomew

And a dirty big bear called Clare!

Now Clare wasn't the least bit happy

His name sounded a wee bit girly

Had a wee mousey friend Bartholomew

Who's name sounded strong and burly!

So hulking big Clare the unhappy bear

Asked his mousy friend Bartholomew

If he'd be so kind and wouldn't mind

Switching names, that'd be so cool!

Bartholomew said he wanted some time

To check with dear Cynthia his friend

About this idea of switching names

On her opinion he would depend!

Cynthia said, “If you want my opinion

Your name doesn't sound like a bear

But if Clare wants the name Bartholomew

We're still friends but now you'll be Clare!”

A name doesn't change the person you are

You'll be the same friend in the end

So forever after Mr. Bartholomew Bear

And wee mousey Clare stayed friends!

A moral?