Pirates and Spooks, Beware!
written by Susan Weiner
illustrated by Bobbie Kogok
from Belle Isle Books
Shiver me timbers! Pirates and parrots, mummies and mermaids—get ready for these fun and funky creatures to tickle your funny bone and send a chill down your spine! Between the lines of these eerie poems, a lady pirate fights her battles in stolen ball gowns, a cannibal decides to become a vegetarian, and a ghost hitches a ride in the family car. You’d better get started: it’s all hands on deck! |
The Lady Pirate
My rouge is a pretty, soft poppy red,
And a towering wig sits atop my head.
My gown’s a brocade of celestial blue
So thick the bullets cannot pierce through.
My bustle is tied with bows and lace,
And I sneak with a certain stealthy grace.
I place my feet just so, here and there.
When I pass by, all the gentlemen stare.
I’m a pirate lady by day and by night.
My blade and I never flee from a fight.
I wear a pink sash set across my chest,
With knives and pistols at my breast.
Oh, Tortuga nights, where the palm trees are
And ships run adrift on the white sand bar.
Oh, Tortuga nights, where the pirates brawl
And duels are held at the governor’s ball.
Tortuga nights follow Tortuga days,
Where treasure is stashed near turquoise bays,
And pirates take the hearts of tavern girls
With pure, white strands of oyster's pearls . . . .
And a towering wig sits atop my head.
My gown’s a brocade of celestial blue
So thick the bullets cannot pierce through.
My bustle is tied with bows and lace,
And I sneak with a certain stealthy grace.
I place my feet just so, here and there.
When I pass by, all the gentlemen stare.
I’m a pirate lady by day and by night.
My blade and I never flee from a fight.
I wear a pink sash set across my chest,
With knives and pistols at my breast.
Oh, Tortuga nights, where the palm trees are
And ships run adrift on the white sand bar.
Oh, Tortuga nights, where the pirates brawl
And duels are held at the governor’s ball.
Tortuga nights follow Tortuga days,
Where treasure is stashed near turquoise bays,
And pirates take the hearts of tavern girls
With pure, white strands of oyster's pearls . . . .