On a long ago summer day, sitting in the sun, a ladybug chanced to light upon my knee. She rested there, apparently content, and as I watched the sunlight play on her spotted wing covers, I wondered what she was thinking, what her plans were for the rest of the day.

So still she sits upon my knee
Intent on her affairs
No sign there was that I could see
Of stress or other cares
But I was sure she came to me
For help in some regard
I thought perhaps the maple tree
At bottom of the yard
Held danger for her in some way
Some monster lurking there
To set upon her at her play
But then thought, who would dare?
For lady is a fearsome threat
To aphids and to mites
And if I had to make the bet
I’d say she’d win most fights
And as I deeply thought these things
So quietly she stirred
And flipped the covers on her wings
So rapidly they blurred
And with a tiny buzzing sound
She took then to the air
Content, I’m sure, that she had found
A friend who would be there
To see her through the parlous day
Her species often see
And offer, when she comes my way
To rest upon my knee