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BEE REAVE
[it is a custom to inform the bees about
their keeperÕs death]
veiled
she picks her slow arthritic way
where nettle
hogweed
bramble
snag and twist
beneath a furnaced sky
and
still
dry bleach seeded grasstraw
yields
if only reverence
and sombre on this blistering day
when life melts
and crumbles into ash
and you would be
forgiven
for thinking folly
at this final act
once promised
now
this compose widows chore
she
whispers by the bee box
whispers by the bee
box
whispers by the bee box
whispers by the bee
box
BEE STINGS
[Beestinsg is the name given
to the first milk
drawn from a cow after parturition]
oozing
this wrenched udder
ripped
from the bee cow
pours
venomous milk
through
one
barbed teat
now we are
aware
of the pain
of
separation
BEE ATIFIC
[Making blessed, blissful]
I too have done this
Òas it must be doneÓ
and
glazed with serenity
eyed in a rising mead moon
raised aloft
each new come brood
and
blessed
I too have done this
Òas it must be doneÓ
and
in milkwashed love
watched bees bubble like foam
from infant lips
as a gift given
and
blessed
I too have done this
Òas it must be doneÓ
and
in praise of Plato
skyclad in DianaÕs presence
felt utter joy in being
waxed precious
and
blessed
I too have done this
Òas it must be doneÓ
and
awakened at dawn
with eyes honey glued
and amber crystaled
risen fresh like dew
and
blessed
©
Richard Mais 2004
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