Poems by Barbara M. Upton

The big black cat watches the sleeping Stella Spellright.

The bedroom is lit softly by the round moon’s white light.

The hoot of an owl makes Stella open her eyes wide.

She puts on her uniform and pointy hat with pride.

Stella skips downstairs and kisses her parents good bye.

She runs outside and flies her broom into the dark sky.

Stella holds on to her stick with a grip strong and tight

Until the high towers of her school come into sight.

Stella lands lightly on the ground with a gentle thump.

Last night, she came down hard and fell over on her rump.

Tonight’s first class for Stella is Weeds, Plants and Flowers.

The teacher is the sweet and kind Miss Peggy Powers.

Then it’s Professor Vim for Frogs, Toads, Lizards and Newts.

It’s always a surprise to see old Vim’s crazy suits.

Sir Smoak teaches The Dragon: A Witch’s Friend or Foe?

Stella yawns and thinks the time is moving way too slow.

Stella finds The Use and Care of Wands easy and fun.

She and all the girls like looking at young Doctor Dunn.

Stella and her friend Phoebe meet up next for their break.

They eat lunch sitting on a bench facing Lost Ghost Lake.

Stella goes to her last class with Mr. O’Leary.

The subject is Skulls and Bones, which is very dreary.

Then Stella is flying home with the wind at her back

And pretty soon she sees her house’s tall chimney stack.

The big black cat sits still and waits for Luna Spellright

As the bedroom is lit softly by the sun’s first light.

 Skippy was sweet and loving.

She liked to play with her family all day.

She went away all too soon

“Remember Skippy?”, her humans often say.

Pickles was a great surprise.

Her fur was a mix of blue, black, white and brown.

She did try to behave well

But now and again she made her people frown.

Stripey is an old lady.

She limps in one leg from her time as a stray.

She eats and then eats some more

And finds a cool, quiet spot in which to lay.

Paws got hurt on the mean streets.

But luckily a good man came and saved him.

Once he was skinny and sad.

Now he is safe and healthy and not so slim.

Hercules is mighty great.

He is also little, cuddly and quite cute.

At times he becomes confused.

He is fluffy, charming and handsome to boot.

Dogs are big and strong and brave.

They are small and furry and loyal and smart.

We can learn from each of them

How to live with an open generous heart.  

Everett builds castles of sand    

on the beach by the sea.    

The walls are strong and very tall.    

The towers are mighty.    

Everett runs to the water    

on the beach by the sea.    

He swims and splashes all about   

and he laughs happily.    

Everett searches for seashells

on the beach by the sea.

He digs in the sand, then, at last

Finds one, pink and shiny.

Everett looks up as he walks

on the beach by the sea.

Seagulls in the sky swoop and dive.

They scream and cry with glee. 

Everett likes to play and run

on the beach by the sea

where the soft sand is warm and white

and little boys are free.

Everett goes home from his day

on the beach by the sea.

He hopes tomorrow he will play

on the beach by the sea.

Sometimes I can see her

In the sun’s strong blazing light.

The best time is high noon

If I look exactly right.

A flash, a form, a tail

Appears just right over there

With a face and two arms

And very long flowing hair.

I walk along the shore

Looking out to the water

Hoping for one more glimpse

Of the ocean’s true daughter.

Grown-ups think it’s nothing.

Don’t get excited they say.

You imagine too much.

They laugh as they walk away.

I KNOW that I just saw

A real mermaid of the sea.

I close my eyes and wish

That she will always swim free.

The two of us walk hand in hand

Down the beach of silky soft sand

To the edge of the great big sea-

My Abuelo and little me.

There where the waves flow gently in

Is the perfect spot to begin

To build our sandcastle today

On this bright happy holiday.

We work and laugh and then it’s done-

Our golden fortress in the sun,

A Christmas castle by the sea

Made by my Abuelo and me.