THE SWARM
Walking down the road of life
I meet a hornet swarm.
"We could use another person
With strong brain, back, and arm."
"We're working with the honey bees
To benefit both groups.
We lay our eggs inside their hive.
And then protect their troups."
I watch the hatching hornets eating
Honey stored below.
"Do the bees have enough to take care of all?"
I ask, just wanting to know.
"Beware!" the King hornet yells to his swarm.
"She plans for our defeat!"
"No," I say. "I just want to know
That the bees have enough to eat."
It isn't long before all the swarm
Is stinging me left and right.
As I protest, they get some jest
In stabbing me into the night.
I've searched my soul to see what's fair.
Did I really mean them harm?
My only quest was to make sure the plan
Was good for both bees and swarm.
I know what's left for me to do
As I walk away from here.
I leave with welts all over my back,
My arms, my legs and my ears.
Learning a lesson on choosing my path
Is all that I take away.
Keeping my pride, I know that I tried.
No matter what they say.
©Lynnette Schuepbach, August 27, 1992