Come back as a ladybird

Come back as a ladybird:

I’ve always felt like the odd one out,

but I’m sure most youngest children do.

It might be that I’m weird, or it might be my love for bugs.

Either way, I feel much more like myself – alone.

I have an older sister, she’s travelling the world.

But with her, is the closest I’ve ever felt to  “normal”.

I wished for her back

and when I looked up there sat a ladybird.

Once I’d saved her from the spider -

she wouldn’t leave my side.

For a moment,

I felt sort of… seen.

I took her as a sign.

She meant a blessing,

and protection.

And one day,

once I depart from this earth.

I want to come back as a ladybird,

so then I can protect others like me.