There are several versions of the English ditty about Ladybugs. The version taught in my time was, “Ladybug, ladybug fly away home, your house is on fire and your children are alone.”

So madam mayor of Los Angeles, after being notified that her “children” or “houses” were indeed on fire, chose to remain on the continent of Africa for a few more vacation days, perhaps kissing her poetic Madam LA Ladybug political career goodbye.

Marilyn Kelsey

Shelburne Falls