The Origin of Bees

A significant factor
in the origin of bees 
and my relationship 
with them 
is the nonstop 
hum of fear 
immured within me
by the bonnie buzzing
of their wee wings.
Mama always said
Grandma made me afraid 
because she was afraid, 
and so I learned 
to be afraid.  
She and Daddy said
I was overreacting,
repeating what I saw.
Just stop, they said,
as if fear was a faucet
I could control 
with strength of will.
But when I found 
myself grown 
and at last alone  
with the bees, 
instead of running,
all I could do
was stop 
and wonder
at the nonstop 
hum of life itself.

  —by cjpjordan (a draft)