Extinction 1979

[Charles Nicol]

In a hidden secret valley
Penetrating Dartmoor's rim
Far from cities towns and houses
Deep within an anthill dim
Stirs a gorgeous skyblue creature
Shrugging off its pupal case
Sheltered by the ants misguided
Now it leaves their busy base
Stretching wings in morning sunlight
Fuelled with heather nectar sweet
This fine insect launches skyward
Shimmering in summer heat
High above the tors and ponies
Our brave suitor carries on
Looking for a willing female
Of the species arion
But his search is doomed to failure
He will never find a mate
For he is the final Large Blue
Gaudy tragic celibate