Diapaused

According to some, this little beauty shouldn't be here. Attracting attention when it landed between mandolin and desklamp, my initial reaction was delight. The delight didn't fade after seeing it was an Asian species. Intentionally introduced in the early 1900s, it didn't become firmly established here until about the time I was wrapping up college degree plan.

So its line has struggled as much as any immigrant family has since landing on the shores of this land. Brought here to attack and kill aphids feeding on pecan trees, it did that job well, and I have enjoyed fruits of its labor in more forms of pecan-laden dishes than I can remember. And like many who have arrived here, its kind are still doing less harm than good.

It's just seeking a warm, dry place to hibernate through winter, so I leave it alone and simply enjoy its presence. The heater comes on, warming me up against relentless press of cold. Senses shift and flashback brings familiar pulsing patterns and colors to enjoy, so diapaused.