Ms Ladybird to-day you’re brought,
before this Judge to face the court.
It’s said while out and on the town,
you left your children all alone,
and even worse, no trace was found.
House and kids burnt to the ground.
What say you then, in your defence?
for this is such a grave offence.
Not guilty sir, I went for food.
I’d taught the children to be good.
Five minutes sir, I was away,
but then with matches they did play.
Is it then true, the Judge began,
that Ann was found ‘neath frying pan?
Yes sir, it’s true, but pan was hot.
Some nasty burns poor Ann has got.
These children met with sorry fate.
Their mother coming back too late.
Guilty I say, of negligence.
To leave young children makes no sense,
And witnesses, both one and all,
say you were at the Ladybug Ball.
So off to jail – 6 years you’ve got.
Seems Ladybirds don’t change their spots.
Prison is where you will reside,
though you deserve insecticide.
For daughter Ann, no thought you'd spare
I’ll have her taken into care.
A loving home is what’s been found.
Guilty I say – So take her down.
Author notes
"Ladybird, ladybird fly away home,
Your house in on fire and your children are gone"
The American Version of the Lyrics
It is possible that the word Ladybird was exchanged for Ladybug, in the American version of the nursery rhyme, due the word association with Firebug meaning an arsonist or pyromaniac. The first publication date was 1865 and the word ladybird was used as opposed to ladybug. There has been some speculation that this Nursery Rhyme originates from the time of the Great Fire of London in 1666
photo 'Tightrope' by Simon http://www.beakerst.shutterchance.com/photoblog/Tightrope/
In a list
A contest entry
- Fairy Tales on Trial! Either defend or prosecute, or both! by Melodies.
550 points, ended June 21, 2007, 12 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Nursery Rhymes by Poetess12.
900 points, ended January 22, 2008, 14 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Your Favorite Nursery Rhyme by Tqop.
650 points, ended February 27, 21 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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I really like this poem. Wonderful take on an old nursery rhyme. I like how you personified the lady bug. Very clever. Rhymes were great and I loved the story.
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Very interesting poem.
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Thanks for entering...
I'll comment later on this. -
WOW!!!! This is such an awesome spin on that old nursery rhyme. I'll never think of it in the same light again.
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This is a very good poem. It makes me feel a little guilty about leaving my kids home for a while when I go out. My twelve year old babysits the other 2. Although my kids are older now, 8, 9 and 12 years old.
You did a wonderful job on your poem.
Thanks for your entry.
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So wish I had read this one earlier.
Quite the rib tickler I've been needing of late.
Loved these two lines:
Prison is where you will reside,
though you deserve insecticide.
Well done hon
Linda
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"Ladybirds don’t change their spots" rofl. This was so much fun to read - not so much fun for the Arachnid kids though. Delightful perspective.
Von
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You have such a wonderful sense of humour This is so very cleverly written and trophy material for sure 
Well done and best of luck in this contest 
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I know not...
I know not, know not, whom ye are, but you have fallen from a star and landed nicely in our midst and now, dear poet, I insist that you accept a hug from me
for your poem is brilliant as can be! And also, here is one wee kiss 
Take, it please, I do insist! OH MY GOSH... this poem is splendid and so fine, it is sparking light fireworks! 
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ANOTHER GREAT PIECE
WELL DONE GOOD LUCK WITH THE CONTEST -
Excellent you have done a fantastic job with this piece A smile crept onto my face at some of the statements quoted. I can see this contest is going to turn out some wonderful pieces Good luck in the contest
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