Hello, Bee

-

 Hello, bee. 


Walking winding black asphalt

up a hill that leads down

to a grave, I listened

and read graffiti that said

"Fatty Fetty Homeless 

Bitches" with a heart at the end. 


I listened, and my childhood best friend

told me parts of the story of who

she’s become. We discussed price tags

and humility, and family, tender family

And when it came time to say goodbye

I said “I miss you” and tears filled my eyes

“I’ll see you soon,” she said, both of us knowing

not soon enough. 


I sat down in a rocker

that’s spent a year by my dirt driveway

And I wept, and wept and wept, 

Until  my hands were wet with tears. 

What about, I couldn't tell you, something like loneliness, death, fear.


That's when the bee came over

rested on my fingernail

slurped up all my suck

And followed me back toward the house

When I decided I'd had enough. 


So imagine my astonishment

When this morning, 

screen door closed, 

a gaping hole still there

right where my youngest 

cut it out


I heard the familiar buzzing

Felt the ticklish feet tip toe round my fingers

And once again said “hello, 

Bee.” inside the comfort of my own home.


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