Bees

I suppose we take for granted - except when we are stung -
The intelligence of those busy bees that largely goes unsung!
The little critters pollinate flowers and such, and, moreover,
Create for us combs of ambrosial honey from fields of clover!

The drone has a most blissful job - caterin' to the queen.
Once he's done his thing, alas, he passes from the scene!
Workers toil long and hard to glean pollen from the field,
Then, some inconsiderate dude has the gall to rob their yield!

Honeybees are a bit more docile than the grumpy, yeller jacket.
Beware of the wily wasp - when agitated he'll create a racket!
The bumblin' bumble bee, their lumberin, bulky cuz,
Somehow aviates through the air - I often wonder how it does!

There ain't nothin' more entertainin' than a scholarly "spellin'" bee.
Can you think of anything more creative than a ladies "quiltin" bee?
Dexterity and hustle are required for "cornhuskin'" bees.
(Wonder who came up with that ridiculous reference to a "bees-knees"?)

I'd reckon that bees are nature's most maligned creatures.
Most probably due to its stinger - one of its most fearsome features!
But hold on! Before we decry the bee, here's the buzz:
It's obviously the most productive pollinator that ever wuz!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Hey, another great DEFINING poem here. Where is the next "bee" contest?? A very enjoyable read. And I just read in a forward: if you get stung, hold a copper penny on the sting seven min. It makes it so that it will not swell up or be sore! LUv, andrea
Brown Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 4:11 AM
Thank you for sharing you poetry with us Robert. I enjoyed reading it this morning. Hope you have a wonderful weekend running over with inspiration. Thank you for your kind comments. Love, Carol
Slaughter Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 11:10 PM
Very nicely written piece. I am very afraid of bees because I'm allergic to the critters, and they seem to know it (the intelligence you spoke of) because they always chase me when they see me!
Mehta Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 6:37 PM
Sting to be the intelligence of those busy bees. I love this expression. I enjoyed it as always.
Page Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 2:33 PM
Really well written. Very enjoyable Kind Regards, Roger
A   Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 12:52 PM
a pleasure to read, enjoyed with smiles,..p.d.
Taylor Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 12:33 PM
Awesome coverage, Sarge. I just got more respect for those little b......eees. Best to you guys...Ralph/Una
Devonshire Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 11:15 AM
You sure did present "the buzz" well, Bob. I'm allergic to bee stings so I cower when I see one. But spelling bees and quilting bees are fun! Enjoyed your witty tribute and will try to bee smiling today as I think of your poem! Love, Carolyn
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