A Ladybug of Culture

There was a little ladybug
who was quite a sophisticate;
many she would educate
on topics in the news,
when 'er she expressed her views...

She had a great knowledge of opera
even knew all the classes of lepidoptera-
on figuring out chess moves she proved astute
and loved to play Debussy on the flute...

In her polka dotted suit
with decorative hat she looked quite cute,
as she debated most eloquently
on a point which she considered moot...

she could speak many different languages,
could do elegant flower arrangements,
bought China in a fancy boutique
selecting only those pieces that were unique...

she could create wonderful confectionary delights,
her rose garden was truly a magnificent sight;
she loved to write poetic verse,
and on the meaning of many she loved to converse...

On essays by Milton she would love to expound,
was knowledgeable in physics
even the spiritual realm of mystics-
knew all about gravity, light waves, and sound...

this little bug who was so erudite
would sit in her garden with her bonnet
and recite
the most charming sonnet...

she was versed in astronomy
and Ptolemy-
zoology, entymology,
even anthropology...

she would wax philosophically
on many subjects,
from the plays of Sophocles
to the formula of a triangle, isoceles...

an authority on etiquette,
she made a most gracious host
adhering to the rules of Emily Post
from a to z,
serving only crumpets
with tea...

she was a wordsmith the likes
you have nerver seen,
could define syllogism, colloquialism
and every "ism"
in between-
even ventriloquism...

there wasn't much that
she didn't know,
with dexterity she could even sew,
so many things this little lady could do-
even make a wonderful veggie gumbo with roux...

indeed this little bug
was so refine
that only on vegetables
would she dine...

I wish I knew where
'er she went,
I often wondered
from where she was sent...

this little bug so fair,
was last seen with gilded wing
just floating in air;
yes, truly sublime,
she was so... extraordinaire.

-Marie Lawrence

The Ballad of the Music Student

I sat down at the piano
to begin the Polonaise with such flourish...
suddenly, a great silence contaged in the room
with someone saying a final "hush" soon.

I envisioned I'd wow them
make some even swoon...
with a captivating boom
I could hear in my mind a piano forte,
but all that came out was a note of a feeble sort.

I would summon all the courage it would take
for such noble a purpose I knew was at stake.
After all, it was for art's sake
to muster all my poise
for such grand, eloquent noise...

I vowed I would make great harmony
with the ensuing chord
but with fingers trembling
impediment to fine motor assembling-
one note completely missed,
and instead created quite a discord!

I kept my gaze tightly focused on the keys,
and said, "dear Pataruski help me if you please..."
with great commitment and willingness abound
I certainly had yet to astound;
at that moment something miraculous begin to click
or maybe it was just true "grit"
but all of a sudden I actually begin to sound quite "finessy"
even a bit "Chopinessy."

I got better and better as I played
the music full of new life and verve,
I guess you might say I had finally found
"da nerve."

Why, I could have even sworn
that this time when I looked up
at the bust of Mr. Beethovan, himself,
that though it took a considerable while-
the frown on his face turned into a smile!

So folks remember this bit of advice
when you start to experience some strife
in your life...
just think of this little ballad
and keep the music alive in your heart,
for even if you get off to a shaky start...
you may end up finishing like Mozart.

-Marie Lawrence

The Ladybug Queen

There's a ladybug queen
who lives in a garden of roses,
of the flowers she takes special care;
a gown of petals and leaves she wears
from the lovely roses grown there...

with gesture and espression so serene
she is composed
of gentle concern for all creation;
she smiles at all the animals
living by a simple creed,
to help all those who are in need...

with her lovely
song she charms
and protects all from harm...

she plants the seed
as the desire to do a kind deed
to all those who come-
with her healing touch
hate and fear disappear
without a trace
in this magical place...

enveloped in this aura of beauty
as they breathe in this
fragrant air,
those that are in despair
are born anew
in the light
of her care...

keener are their senses
with greater clarity is their vision
they now see with more
accuracy than they ever have before;
as those who once had little regard
for other life forms
are now transformed...

they leave now,
as they embrace all creatures
great and small,
with a greater sense of humanity
and a kinder disposition toward all.

-Marie Lawrence