Bugs

Early spring Monday morning, listening to the news,
trying to expand my knowledge
when I see an Asian lady beetle
striding along my window ledge.
Pretending to be a ladybug but it’s not
Just another non-native infestation
The red army’s at the ready
having spent all winter in preparation.

If there’s one scratching on your face
you know there will be a thousand soon.
Crawling behind walls, on curtains,
beneath dustbins they loom.
Be kind, do better, touch grass
and more platitudes from the on-line preacher.
Sure, in a minute, but right now
it’s time to feed the vacuum cleaner.

Inspired by Spring Rituals. Photograph by Fred Ni.