Peggy Stelpflug, Billy's mother, is a poet and watercolor artist. She edited the book of poetry for the Beirut Marines entitled They Came In Peace. Here is a poem
by Peggy.



Beach Kingdom


Each day I walk
With my common companions,
Sea gulls, terns, and pelicans,
On a path swept clean by the tides.

The sandpiper, a royal pretender
In this domain, imprints his
Fleur-de-lis in spirited
Strutting steps on the white, wet sand.

Comfortable in this realm,
I am secure until majestic waves
Remind me of my place
And I oblige.






Billy's brother Joe contributed to They Came In Peace with the following poem about Port St. Joe, the family's favorite beach on the Gulf.



Back on beach days
and bay nights
in sand dune pockets
and sailing wind

We caught the crabs
and watched them boil
then pulled the pipe
and puzzling Pearls

While watching rushing rays
and killer whales
with sapphire scallop eyes
and the waves felt just like fish.


Joe Stelpflug
Written for Billy