Empress Ladybird lived in Moss Wood, in a huge, hollow of an oak tree;
In domestic comfort, with all her dear children, beyond the entry, leafy.

Empress and her mate had parted, when they'd resolved to move on;
However, she would live to love again, like spring when winter's gone.

Empress was all things that a ruler should be, like Queen Anne's lace-
Always fair and kind to subjects, in the green, forest kingdom of grace.

Fireflies and frogs made up the forest family, and visited at olive even,
When black pearl, shadows at last had flourished, silver stars increasin'.

They lived in the house of butterfly moon, when all earth grew drowsy;
In deep stillness, broken solely by whispers-very typical of the country.

The path by their pretty door held primroses, in golden, songbird days;
And yellow poppies were present as well, underneath pink, cloud sprays.

Native, nimble deer and nightingales were neighbors, sighted at noon,
In the middle of daytime's narration, steps ahead of full, scarlet moon.

Hedgehog cacti resembled the prickly namesakes, in summers of swelter,
And burgundy pansy dressed up in frills, enchanting they who beheld her.

Red butterfly wing plants formed dense swarms, upon a bustling breeze;
As starfish cacti lit up sable nights, with red, cream and beige tendencies.

Lucky Empress had numerous children; and youngest of all was little Ann.
The siblings kept house, when Mother went out, and Ann also lent a hand.

On a Monday, Empress was at the Council of Cherries, in sweet summer;
When a subject screamed, 'Ladybird, ladybird fly away home!' Bummer!

'Your house is on fire and your children are gone! All except one, and her
Name is Ann, and she hid under the baking pan.' she said. Day gone sour!

Empress still reigns in Moss Wood, for her subjects were able to rebuild,
After a fire, fueled by lightning. Her older kids got married, on Berry Hill.

Empress misses her children, but accepts that it is the way of the world;
And she takes comfort in sweet little Ann, like evening's moonlight pearl.