The Beekeeper's

The Beekeeper’s Promise


I have begun to sing of honeybees
as I lie back in peaceful hollows
sun dappled in celestial smiles.
Their song accompanies my music.
My music accompanies their song. 

My eyes are changing toward the world.
Weeds of former lowly notice
once abruptly pulled and cast aside
now present a humble joyous bounty
to fill a plunderer’s baskets full. 

Lemon balm, lavender, loosestrife, lobelia,
ragweed, sedum, aster, hyssop.
A cycle of flowers in infinite magnificence
as the seasons are gathered and flown home. 
These are my calling, my passion, my poetry.

How many times in recent summer’s heat
have I reverently dipped my head just so
to catch a petal’s soft caress against my cheek,
to take the kiss that morning dew and nectar offer.
How sweet then, a heavenly promise of delight.