Margaret Marshall

Amherst, New Hampshire

Pen Name: Margaret MarshallDate of Birth: April 19, 1947, Oceanside, New YorkParents: Dorothy and John UhlDate of Marriage: February 14, 1982Children: Joseph John and Erica Lynn;Education: Freeport High School, State University at Farmingdale, Mrs. Skinner's Business School, Institute of Children's Literature, Long Ridge Writers GroupCurrent Occupation: Writer, Mother, HomemakerMembership: Society of Children's Book, Writers and Illustrators; National Association for Female Executives; National Audubon SocietyHonors and Awards: Editor's Choice Award 1995, Editor's Choice Award 1997, and election into the International Poetry Hall of Fame, January 6, 1997.Other Writings: "A Talented Fly" appeared in Beyond the Stars, 1995, and "Turmoil in the Countryside" appeared in Of Moonlight and Wishes, 1996.Personal Note and Philosophical Statement: Preservation of our Forests and Wildlife.

A Talented Fly

As I walked by a lonely pond,
I spotted an oversized black fly,
Skating in his knee-highs.
He looked me straight in the eye,
And said,
"What are you staring at?"
"My name is Fred,
Let me show you how to play dead."
He sailed through the air,
And sat upon my hair.
"Do you mind if I come along,
To buzz you a song?"
"I will do you no wrong,"
Explained the talented fly.
I nearly died at the sight of
That amazing fly.

Turmoil In The Countryside

There's turmoil in the countryside, turmoil in the countryside.
The deafening hum of chain saw and the roar of bulldozers ar heard for miles.
Thousands upon thousands of healthy trees tumble to their death.
Forest animals of many species barely escape the rampage.
Elaborate butterflies and scores of flying and crawling insects scatter in all directions.
Flocks of rare birds flee in a frenzy.
Mounds of soil are piled high to cover ponds and streams filled with abundant aquatic life.
A blinding light flares in our presence.
Acrid gray smoke permeates the once fragrant air of the woods.
The massacists have set the stage for the future.

Curious Dreams

What goes on in his feline mind
as he stares up into the bright blue sky?
Does he dream of catching a lonely goldfish
in the neighbors pond?
Is it the delicate cardinal singing a sweet summer
song that tempts the kitten all along?
Or is it the timid grey mouse that scurries
about the house?
Maybe our furry friend just wishes
someone would love him to the end.