(Sept. 11, two dozen years later…)

So this honey bee lands smack dab
in the center of a Mexican sunflower
and sets about doing its business—

which is, of course, pollinating—
when it is joined by another bee-like
insect called the hover fly.

One fly, one bee feeding on the same
nectar. Impossible for us overthinking
humans to know whether the two

flying objects meet each other with
curiosity or confrontation. But look
at them, each seemingly earnest

about its work, not pestering
the other. Yes, the bee could
claim the flower as its territory,

defend it against the newcomer.
The fly could launch an all-out
attack, attempt a hostile takeover.

But neither does, which zings
me with hope for the peaceful
co-existence of different species,

praying as I do for simple
tolerance and cooperation
among my own.

•••

With thanks to photographer Kathy Keatley Garvey whose image inspired this poem.