The book I’m looking for was purchased in the mid-70’s.  I don’t remember the dust jacket but it had a purply red cloth cover and was about 7” by 9” opening on the short side with a few line drawing illustrations.  It is a collection of modern poems for kids (not nursery rhymes).  One poem in particular was my son’s favorite. It starts –

 “Once a little boy lived with a bear.

Went to sleep against deep brown hair

Soft and warm in a hidden lair.”

 We don’t remember the middle part but it ends

 “Though he at last returned to men

And never walked with the bears again,

All his life long he dreamed of the den.”

 Would love to find this book again for my grandchildren.  Terrific poems no matter your age.