32 Comments
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Manuela Thames's avatar

There is something deeply comforting in reading a poem about bees.

Ann Collins's avatar

Thank you, Manuela. Their single-heartedness and focus is a comfort isn’t it? I agree.

Ben Wakeman's avatar

Sweet and delicate on the tongue. Love this one, Ann.

Ann Collins's avatar

Thanks so much, Ben! I love to watch the bees busy in their work. Such a good model of devotion. When I look at the slow motion video, it almost looks like they’re swimming through the air, which is so cute. Maybe they’re having fun too?

Melanie Bettinelli's avatar

Oh that single word is dripping sweetness in my heart.

Ann Collins's avatar

Thank you, my friend!💛

Kimberly Warner's avatar

An amber mantra, oh how I will carry this with me. The simplicity of devotional repetition is sometimes the most profound. Thank Ann for this beauty!

Ann Collins's avatar

Thank you, Kimberly. A calming anchor, even for one deep breath.

Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

It’s so interesting to watch the bees make their hive. They are meticulous! As always lovely Ann.

Ann Collins's avatar

Thank you Shital. They seem relaxed and joyfully at work when I watch them in slow motion. I have made numerous videos and always love the way they kick their little legs like swimmers.

Elyse’ Briski Jokinen's avatar

Ann, this is moving. Happy to have stumbled upon it tonight.

Ann Collins's avatar

Oh I’m glad—thank you!

Julie Gabrielli's avatar

Beautiful, Ann! I love the sound of the bee’s wings in slow-mo. It’s like a purr.

Ann Collins's avatar

Thank you! I like the image of fuzzy flying kittens 🐈‍⬛💛

MK Creel's avatar

Oh. My. Heart.

Ann Collins's avatar

For you, dear friend 🐝

Josh Datko's avatar

I love how this is exactly the opposite of everything we are told to do -- diversify income, try multiple things, spread yourself too thing.

What if we returned to a single word, a single flower? Maybe we too would make some sweeter honey!

Ann Collins's avatar

Yes, Josh, I agree! Always trying to lean in and focus on the work that we most want to see in the world. You are doing this so well.

Lin Gregory's avatar

This is beautiful Ann! Watching the bees at work is so meditative.

Ann Collins's avatar

Thank you, Lin. It sure is. And such a pleasure to step outside of time for a little while.

Trevor Cohen's avatar

This makes me think of lavender in July.

Ann Collins's avatar

thank you! it’s nice to write about summer in the middle of winter—and vice versa.

just mud by Ron's avatar

Beautiful language for bee prayers, Ann and a case for single devotion.

Ann Collins's avatar

Thank you, Ron! I hope you’re staying warm & well 💛

small victories's avatar

This is STUNNING

Ann Collins's avatar

Thank you Mike!

Susie Mawhinney's avatar

"If we return

to a single word

in sweetness,

an amber mantra,"

I will hold tightly to those words until the bees return dear Ann, 'an amber mantra' how I long for the sound and sight of bees... 💛xx

Margaret Ann Silver's avatar

So beautiful.

Ann Collins's avatar

Thank you, Margaret. This one has been rattling around in my notebook since last spring.

Nathan Slake's avatar

"Monofloral honey"

I mean, even this line alone was strong enough. 🤗🤗