Ladybugs in November
They shelter indoors, break in through
uncaulked cracks in windows, searching
of a warm place for their last days.
At first, these tiny prowlers crawl along crown
molding or buzz against the rim
of the pendant light in the dining room.
Sometimes I glimpse them in mid-flight,
spotted domes spread, thin brown wings
soaring on the last heated air of the season.
Soon they’ll appear at eye level, teetering
along bathroom walls and mirrors in haphazard
circles like the town drunk you can’t send home.
When the nights dip toward freezing, I pretend
not to see them clinging to the back splash
or creeping below on vanity doors, bright
against the stark white of cabinets.
Why must I gather upturned bodies,
return their abandoned shells to dust?
~ Pamela Taylor © 2013
A Poet's Double Life 
November 11, 2013 at 05:13
Thanks for the daily dose of inspiration! Keep em coming ;-). I have ladybugs too. I’m feeling very Buddhist and letting them slowly take over my bathroom.
November 11, 2013 at 06:41
Think of it as a lesson in sharing space and giving each other room to do what you each need to do. Enjoy them while they are still around.
November 11, 2013 at 18:46
Did I witness the genesis of this poet yesterday at the Poetry Book club?
November 11, 2013 at 18:47
When I wrote “poet” I meant “poem”, of course. I was nowhere near the genesis of the poet.
November 11, 2013 at 18:50
I forgot I mentioned the ladybugs at the book club. I also had one do a kamikaze dive into my sweater at my friend’s party. That left an impression.