A Summer Break

Going to enjoy a couple of weeks with the family - a summer break before the new school year begins.

I'll be back here mid-August.

"Queen Bee"

Coneflower & Honeybee

Queen Bee

From tears of Ra
the bee descends, of sun, of royalty.

As a child, I'd run in fear of the sting,

unaware nectar its sole pursuit -
Cupid learned "Beware love's sting!"

Yet life absorbs such piques, does it not?

Spend many an evening walking husband's perennial gardens 

camera poised, patiently wait for droning honeybee; 

stories of imminent demise foreshadowed -

thrilled when sometimes (only) one shows up...

Does this mean Greek goddesses are nearly forgotten,

the Hindu God of peace is dying, Ra's wisdom silenced?   

This symbol of motherhood and fertility
has walked with me hand in hand; no longer run I from the sting,
but embrace sacrifices, savor long days,
taste sweet nectar of childish arms about my neck; sticky fingers and all.
And occasionally at end of day, raise my glass to the Queen Bee;

realize I'm not just a worker bee.

by Margaret Bednar, July 23, 2016

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Transforming with Nature's Wonders" & "Play it Again, Toads".  I was late in playing, so this is my contribution to an obviously very recent "archived" challenge .

When my husband and I first started dating, somehow I gained the title "Queen Bee".   One of my favorite gifts is a necklace of a honeybee.

You are invited to listen: https://soundcloud.com/margaretbednar/audio-recording-on-saturday