O ladybug, ladybug, tender your heart.
Abide in a bubble till death do us part.
O how, Mr. Merlin? Alive in a lake
with death ever certain? Not while I'm awake!

O ladybug, lady, obey my command
to come and to stay in my castle of sand.
O Mr. Crustacean, I cannot comply,
for I will be free till the day that I die.

O ladybug, ladybug, hand me your hand,
for life is for lovers who live on the land.
O no, Mr. Granger. How can you compare
the life of a lover who lives in the air?

O ladybug, ladybug, feather my nest,
for you're quite a dish! O I love you the best!
On no, Mr. Robin. No dice and no deal.
I'd die of consumption to make you a meal.

O ladybug, ladybug, live in my tree.
My garden is teeming with aphids for thee.
I will, Mrs. Willow. Okay, I agree,
but welcome my friends who accompany me.

For I have two lovers (but one at a time):
the first is a flower; the second, sublime.
They're often together to play me the fool.
The first one is happy the second is cool.

Goodbye, Mr. Robin. Goodbye, Mr. Crab.
Goodbye, Mr. Granger (asleep on a slab).
Hello, Mr. Merlin! I've tender'd my heart:
A bride in a bubble till death do us part.

1998 Elsie Ann Shannon