ladybug

i found a ladybug on
the sidewalk
today

on the corner
of 8th and State
in front of
Stan’s Magazines

i nearly stepped
on it but
noticed it
just in time

i crouched
low to get a
better look at it
as the sun
moved behind a
blanket of clouds.

two men argued
across the street
and
a lime green
sportscar thumping
its bass
squealed
its tires as it
turned the corner
and sped off.

i stood back up
and slammed
by foot down

beauty that simple
doesn’t belong
in a world
like this.