Please could SOMEONE help me! ANYONE?

I was given a poem at school about 10 years ago, and I unwittingly threw it away. I have been kicking myself since then. I have no idea who it's by or how it goes, but I'll tell you what I DO know.

The poem is written from the perspective of a ?cockroach? (insect). The poet himself has written many poems with this persona. I think the persona's name begins with an 'a' or 'b' (like 'al' or 'bud'). The poet's story goes that when he falls asleep at night, the little ?cockroach? comes out of hiding and jumps up and down on the typewriter keys, writing poetry of his experiences as an insect.

In this particular poem, the persona speaks of when he met a moth and asked him why moths always fly so close to flames (and other lights). The moth responded by saying that he would rather experience such beauty for one moment, even if it costs him his whole life, than never see the beauty that lies within the flame. It's such a touching story about how we need to put ourselves on the line to reach for the things we desire most.

Man it's beautiful.
Oh please! Oh please oh please help me!
Ask your teachers! Ask your friends! Ask your parents and all the poets you've ever known or do know or will know....

I would so appreciate it if you would email me if you have ANY suggestions at all!
g04c2417@campus.ru.ac.za

Thank you thank you thank you times a billion!

Archy?

[www.donmarquis.com]

archy and the moth:

[www.cs.rice.edu]

Avril, we don't get a lot of posters from South Africa, welcome to e-mule. It was a great poem, thanks Desi.


Les

It is, I just read it twice. Thanks for the tip Avril!

I need a poem I have used with my Third Graders for Flag Day in the past. I has a first line like this-

"What do they mean, the stripes of red?..."
I can't remember it.
Kay

Kay, in case you want to use another one, there are plenty here:

[66.102.7.104] />
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What do they mean, the stripes of red?
Courage and freedom for those who fled.
What do they mean, the stars of white?
Each for a State, altogether with might.
What does it mean the field of blue?
Ancestors who came and were willing to do. Courage to work and to dare ...and to die,
Faith like the stars that light the sky, Honor and vision towering high.
That's what it means, THE FLAG WE FLY.

Anon.