My Rainbow Beetle

In my childhood days

In the tea estate primary school

I had a rainbow beetle

As my pet

That in the green tea bushes

I had met.

I used to take it to school

In an empty match box

Fresh tender grass

I gave it to feed

My rainbow beetle, my companion

It was in classroom and play mead.

I wept silent tears

When to the boarding school

 to live and learn

I was brought

I had to leave my rainbow behind

Though every free moment

Its image my heart sought.

I yearned for my rainbow beetle

on my bedding

every night

When I went to sleep

I wondered how

My little brother and sister

The rainbow did keep.

I was told when

I returned home for

The Holy Easter holidays

For a week

The beetle had flown away

Into the tea bushes nearby

Impossible for two children to seek!

Now after years and years

I understand and feel

It was best for it

To fly away free

Keeping a creature with wings

In a little match box

Was cruel to the highest degree!

Xavier Bage

Fri, April 29, 2016