Neil Shelley

In life, there are few efforts worth our years,
but one there is, above reproach: a queen
and her small monarchy of pioneers.
They who but offer acumen to glean,
to us who witness wondrous nature keen
in thrumming wings, industry pure, and verve
enticing. Bees amass a fortune lean
but plenty honey they produce, ere curve
of summer’s expiration, build reserve
that man, collaborating, joyful may
a portion seize. But wary bees observe
the glutton’s theft with quick reproof. Belay
the wax encapsulated treasure, gold
and sweet! These stings deter, but not the bold.