Be careful
when you bend
to smell the stalks
of yellow lupine
flourishing on
the sandy path
to the beach

industrious bumbles
are at work here

you are intruding as
they busily hover
seeking the upright
banner with the helpful
spot at its base to direct
pollinators to the
nectar reward

as you inhale
you catch a glimpse of
a black-and-yellow
striped worker
close to your cheek

zeroing in on a
particular floret
the color of
fresh butter

resist the startle

she does not
mind your
presence

just wait
breathe
listen

she will collect
her prize in
her pollen basket
quickly wing
her fuzzy way
to another flower

leaving you
to admire her
gentle industry
in this fleeting
luminous
season

•••

The western bumble bee (of the genus Bombus) was once common in western North America, but increasing temperatures, drought and pesticide use have contributed to a 57% decline in the occurrence of this species in its historical range, according to a 2023 U.S. Geological Survey-led study.