"The Rainbow Bee Eater 2007" (though leadis would never)
I filled my pouch with puffs of pollen,
Snacking all the while as the sun breached the horizon.
Warming hives nearby released their gentle fragrance,
Which wafted gradually to where I busied myself.
Zipping quickly back up the hill from the lower meadow,
I glanced about. The dew-charged mist climbed ever higher,
Preventing me from making out its source. Readying myself for what might be coming, the first stone I’d chosen
Slid sweatily from my fingers,
Landing painfully upon my toes with a sickening splat.
Wiping hands hastily on skirt, I had success with the next one,
When a buzzing wee body flew directly into my mouth. Its sweet tangy feet landed upon the flat of my tongue.
I spat her out before she could pierce me there,
Then placed the stone on the ground with palms
Outstretched in gesture of peace
To the many fliers gathered before me in the emptiness off the cliff. Burning fog into tatters, the sun was level with my eyes,
Making it difficult to address
The quickly departing horde.
I plopped on my back, drawing relieved breaths
Of honey golden air through my nose in pleasure at the day’s quickening start. ***