In the golden light of summer

A shimmering army emerges 

Iridescent armor glinting on delicate leaves

like jewels scattered in the garden

Japanese beetles with their lustrous backs

Green and copper buttons dance between petals

A rustling whisper of wings

Ambassadors of the season

Yet unwelcome guests at the banquet of blooms.

They feast on our roses rapidly devouring petals, 

Leaving skeletons of beauty

A carnival of excessive consumption

Their laughter echoing 

In the soft sigh of the breeze

As they twirl and tumble

Oblivious to the gardener’s frown

In their short-lived revelry 

They embody the fleeting reminder

Of the balance between life and decay

The damage to our roses is extensive

War has hereby been declared

We gathered repellent sprays and traps as ammunition

Let battle commence