The bumble bees were furry
like your favourite cat
You caught them one by one
stroked them gently
and held them in your tiny fist.
Their wings
tickled your skin
as they buzzed.
When your mother opened your hand
the bees escaped
and you cried
though you had not been stung.
**
A slightly different version of this poem was previously published on Ink, Sweat and Tears.
Based on Crafty Green Boyfriend's childhood memory....
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What a beautiful memory to have
ReplyDeleteDecades ago, my daughter caught a bumble bee and tried to pet it. The bee stung her and she no longer tries to pet bees.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh what a powerful closing line!!
ReplyDeleteI love this poem, Juliet. I would have run a mile from a Bumblebee as a child, though I had no fear whatsoever of large horses and bulls!
ReplyDeletethat is sweet!
ReplyDeleteI love this so much!
ReplyDeleteFunny, our new cat, Prudie has now got the nickname, "Bumblebee". When we are preparing to feed her, she makes this funny noise that sounds like a hive of bees.
I love how there was no sting in your poem's tale.
Beautiful! We had so many different types of bumble bee in our garden last summer, you wouldn't believe they are endangered.
ReplyDeleteSon-the-younger is (ridiculously) terrified of bees and screams whenever he sees one, and he's never been stung either!
What a lovely memory and a sweet poem! Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteBold!
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely poem :) and memory
ReplyDeletelovely Juliet,xx Rachel
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely - very evocative of childhood feelings.
ReplyDelete