Topic Tags:
0 Comments

Joe Dolce: ‘Carmenta’lia’

Joe Dolce

Aug 31 2023

0 mins

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

Joe Dolce

Joe Dolce

Contributing Editor, Film

Joe Dolce

Contributing Editor, Film

Comments

Join the Conversation

Already a member?

What to read next