A caterpillar, brown and furry,
passed a ladybird in a hurry.
"Where are you off to in your coat of red?"
"I'm off to the ball," the ladybird said.

"A ball? The caterpillar replied.
"Yes, the Peacock wants a bride."
"I need a dress," said the caterpillar, brown.
"I believe I can buy one in the town."

The ladybird laughed, until she turned blue.
"Do you think the Peacock will look at you?"
"What you need is a gown of red,
you have no chance," the ladybird said.

The caterpillar cried and cried.
"I want to be the Peacock's bride."
She slowly crept away...unseen.
And hid among the nettles green.

She fell asleep and her skin turned black.
Until one day she heard a Crack!
"I'm splitting!" she cried. "I'm going to die!"
But...she changed into a butterfly.

She laughed aloud, her thoughts in a muddle.
She viewed her reflection in a puddle!
"I'm beautiful, and now quite tall."
Then she hurried to the ball.

She walked into the room with pride.
The Peacock chose her for his bride.
She gave a tiny, happy sigh.
"I am a Peacock butterfly!"