Joe Dolce: ‘Carmenta’lia’

Carmenta’lia

The frass on the mimosa indicate
larvae have tunneled the stem,
weakening it so that seed is impossible.
Drawn out by pheromones,
nymphs unfold transparent wings.

O foe of fruit tree and timber,
how far you have flown
from your Roman namesake,
Carmenta, goddess of childbirth,
patron of midwives,
your praises once sung
by Ovid, Servius and Solinus.

Joe Dolce