Working All Summer

When sun decides to grace this hemisphere,

You're not the only one that comes to life.

Suppose a steady buzz should greet your ear,

try not to cause its maker too much strife.

Granted, they bear weapons as deterrent -

you want them to be total masochists?

Their yellow-black does not signal intent;

the lion's share of bees are pacifists.

Some bees are single; some bees live alone,

but they'll still buzz all summer busily.

Serving no queen who sits a honey-throne;

they're working for themselves intrepidly.

They pollinate our melon and kiwi;

So if you're feeling fruity thank a bee!

Contrary to popular opinion, most bees are solitary. They don't live in hives, they don't make honey, they observe no monarchy, and they hardly ever sting. Many of them don't even have a sting, and would like you to stop screaming at them (pleazzze).

They do, however, play vital roles in pollinating many popular plants, especially fruit and nut trees (try organizing the list by 'pollinator impact'). So if you enjoy your summer snacks, why not help them out?

It's Solitary Bee Week from the 28th of June to the 4th of July. You can find out more about how to contribute here. If this Vocal Challenge has brought out the poet in you, you're in luck - because Solitary Bee Poetry Day is one of the social media events!