Number-Up And Another Bee Poem by Douglas Scotney

A bee who can't get out of her poppy
is a bee
whose number might be up.

I tipped her out and she fell to the ground.
I thought, 'She might try
to lighten her load.'

She did not. I put her in a jar
for a while;
put her in for observation;

with Another Bee
with whom there was nothing wrong.
I could tell Number-up

from Another Bee
by the pollen on Number-up's legs.
They settled down

after less than some minutes.
I let them out after some;
by which time both looked sick.

I said, 'Sorry, Number-up
and sorry and bad luck, Another Bee.'
I came back inside then went back.

Number-up I couldn't see
and sick Another Bee
I put back in a poppy.