9.15.2011

An Ode to an Emerald Cockroach Wasp (Ampulex Compressa)

by Brian Carey

So there I was, minding my own business,
When she sidles up to me, cool as you like,
All long legs and dark eyes,
And skin the colour of motor oil on wet tarmac.

“Do you come here often?” says I
She didn’t say anything, just leaned in,
With her long neck and dark eyes,
And injected her venom into my thoracic ganglion.

Well I won’t lie; two of my knees went weak,
“Do you always have this effect on guys?” I asked.
She just leaned in even closer,
With her long tongue and dark eyes,
And slipped a cocktail of dopamine and protein toxins into my brain.