I Am A Beetle, A Small Beetle

I AM A BEETLE, A SMALL BEETLE I am a beetle, a small beetle, I seize much, I don't seize little. I like pears, as all the bugs, At times, I jump into wine jugs. Bless my parents, my mom and pop! I keep myself… keep and support. I can move like my peepers My dear tentacles - my "nippers". We've always been inseparable chums. I make them sweep up all the crumbs… I hunt at night… and I can sup Even when I am full up. Bless my parents, my mom and pop I keep myself… keep and support. I move my tentacles with grace, I can use them in any space… Into moustache, I can turn them, Into whiskers, too, sometimes. I can make the most of them, My people look with envious eyes… But, all at once, I fell in love… My soft moustache Was almost starched… The lady beetle, my plump lass, Wore a beautiful black dress. I kneeled before her, And gave her presents: A snow-white ruff, A splendid necklace. Like a wizard, I was agile, She was the apple of my eye. Bless her parents, her mom and pop, I had to feed her and support… I loved her with all my heart, I took her everywhere I went. I was crazy, I lost my head… Now I mourn and I lament… I move my tentacles with grace, I can use them in any space. Into moustache, I can turn them, Into whiskers, too, sometimes, I can make the most of them… My people look with envious eyes. I remember our mouths water, I remember my lass utter: "Let us picnic, taste nice food! " Her wishes were holy and good. Thus, we made for the vales, Resting in the pleasant shades. I was seized with love and pride Looking at my charming bride. Then we ran into a guy, He stared at us, I know not why! "I am a grouse, " said the guy Screwing up his beady eye. I began to put on airs, I began to swell and boast… Moved my tentacles with grace, I used them in any space… But the grouse couldn't make out My noble tricks, and looked with doubt. Then he pecked at my lass, At my bride in a black dress… I myself was saved by chance, I jumped aside in dread, I almost fell there perished, dead… I cursed my parents, my mum and dad… Now I am forsaken, lonely. I'm so ashamed, and only In my dream I move about My dear tentacles… no doubt! I regret now, my dear chums, That I fought with tiny crumbs. My dear tentacles - my pride, Couldn't save my charming bride. I am a beetle, a small beetle, I seize much, I don't seize little. I like pears, as all the bugs, At times, I jump into wine jugs. I move my tentacles with grace, I can use them in any space… By Tsira Gogrshvili (Translated by A. Lekiashvili)