Spot
I thought that
Newly hatched ladybirds
Would not be easily spotted
But I never imagined
They had no spots at all
That they would come out yellow
And deepen through orange
To a bright red
So I'd spot one,
Glistening like a tempting
But poisonous berry
Shining on a stinging nettle
(Providing protection and nutrition)
For a while
Spotless.
Newly hatched ladybirds
Would not be easily spotted
But I never imagined
They had no spots at all
That they would come out yellow
And deepen through orange
To a bright red
So I'd spot one,
Glistening like a tempting
But poisonous berry
Shining on a stinging nettle
(Providing protection and nutrition)
For a while
Spotless.
This poem is copyright (©) Alison Manning 2026
About the Writer
Alison Manning
Alison had a poem commissioned for Show Windows. Her poetry films have featured in film festivals, exhibitions and radio. She has published a children’s book, World Without Endless Sheep, and poems in anthologies and online sites. She was shortlisted for Coventry Poet Laureate in 2023 and 2025. She was Resident Poet for Springboard Festival 2025. In her spare time, she tries to grow lemons.
