10-ODE TO THE LADY BUG

O, orange dome with black polka dots—

you’re the one insect I won’t squash.

The wings you unpack from your shell and unfurl

like sails are feats of engineering.

You’re hungry for aphids, beetle eggs,

mealy bugs—not me.

And because you devour enemies of crops

and roses, you’re linked to Virgin Mary.

Your mate holds you for hours when

you make love. No wonder some think

just seeing you is an omen

of love and babies.