Sense Sonnet - Chiller

 Scarlet

In ancient times the scarlet hue

Meant power, wealth and luxury,

A bright red with slight orange tinge too.

Finest scarlets in demand be,

And were supplied from bugs around

Mediterranean sea sites.

These insects, kermes, could be found

Living on oaks as parasites.

The dried bodies of the females

Were ground up to make scarlet dye.

Sellers avoided these details,

Pitching to sell the sought supply.

Scarlet garments wearers did don,

Not knowing they put dead bugs on.