The Hierophant as Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

by MELISSA ELEFTHERION

Define “emotional labor” 
the HR rep says after i recount months
of staff complaints about a coworker’s bullying & abuse

Defiant eyes implore attention
Flecks of wild carapace 
the halyomorpha halys stal with brown & gold inversions       

Are you crowned 
in a hemipteran order 

summoned to ratify sweet 
perfume of stillness

called to vanquish excremental 
humans from mundane labor spells

To stink is to dream
culled from graces on vascular fascia 

Shield-shaped i go to work
Smile & nod, say good morning
Will myself into a higher order

Breathe & stare at crepuscular
pixelations – push papers
& practice good customer service

Five nymphal instars or immature stages
deep red eyes scent glands protuberate

Coppery & metallic punctures
decorate my depressions

Dorsal i stick to the
undersides of leaves

Do no harm i keep trying
there are brown resinous
holes in my waxen green

how to keep my job & 
fight the slow apple damage 

In divining 
toxicity an equation

ritual behavior = ritual labor 

when abuse of power 
keeps seeping beneath
our capitalist skins