Anthrenus Beetle

As if cremations had occurred,
phoenixes risen,
small piles of dust
dot this neat necropolis:
one live specimen harvests
some naturalist's labour—
a selected assortment
of its compatriots.
Resisting entombment
by the scientific mind
it rouses from stupor,
moves on, begins to chew,
while termites and booklice,
lovers of antique glue,
devour that solid nectar
as they unstick the dead.