“Magic” Ceiling

By Arthur Nelson

On the ceiling of my bedroom

There are intricate designs

Of curlicues and muted hues

In circles, arcs, and lines.

At bedtime, as the daylight fades

And subtle shadows creep,

I watch the ceiling “come to life”

Before I go to sleep.

The patterns change like magic

Into enchanted scenes

Where live brave knights and ladies

And courtly kings and queens.

And there’s a stately castle

Beside a soft blue sea,

And gentle breezes stir the waves

In peaceful harmony.

But all too soon I fall asleep,

And when I wake at dawn,

I look up to the ceiling—

But that magic world is gone.

Illustrated by Don Weller