The jewel wasp, or Ampulex compressa, is a parasitic insect known for its unusual reproductive behavior, which entails stinging a cockroach and controlling the resulting zombie. The wasp has a metallic blue-green body and is said to have stung a cockroach twice, injecting venom into the brain section that controls the escape reflex. The wasp then leads the victim by pulling on one of the roach's antennae like a leash. When I'm seduced by the echoes of love and affection, I feel like this parasitic emotion is controlling me like a wasp is controlling a roach. There's a shimmy of colorful light everywhere that effortlessly guides my gaze and thoughts. Nothing shakes me awake from my stupor. I, too, yield.