In Which I Cheerlead Some Last Minute Procreation

Boxelder bugs, you must be frantic to

Begin another generation, for

Quite suddenly, I'm seeing more of you

Than I can count, in my front yard. The score

Is like this: winter's coming. Time, it runs

Out swiftly for you, little ones; a freeze

Could happen any day now, so the ones

Most near to you will have to do. Now please

Get on with it. It would not be the same

Without you when the summer's back, my friends.

As things go now, you're pushing it; your claim

To make a legacy runs thin, soon ends.

If I don't see you busy making eggs

I guess I'm gonna have to tear some legs.

In Which I Ponder April's Limited Backyard Entomology

Boisea trivittata is the sole

Bug visitor I've seen around my home

Thus far who's made appearance. I control

My disappointment, thus far, as the loam

Is mostly frozen yet; still under frost

Is all my lawn and garden. And these bugs

Are still a nice diversion for no cost

(No cable needed, and no need for drugs).

Box Elder bugs are what you prob'ly know

Them as; they're black with rims of red

Like piping on their jackets. They've no show

Or flashiness about them, nor much dread.

They're harmless to the struggling daffodils

Whose bed they share. They're simple, with no frills.