The Empty Bee Hive Poem by Sonny Rainshine

I never really thought
about their connection to the food supply
or what perfect testaments
to the fragile interconnectedness
of all beings they are.

I never considered
their intricate navigation
systems or their astonishing ability
to hover in midair
or to zip away in a nanosecond.

I never noticed that the minute hairs
on their bodies helped
to transport pollen from blossom
to blossom. That they loved
borage flowers, but not so much
marigolds and petunias.

But now I hear they are
vanishing en masse,
abandoning hives,
deserting our gardens.

If I plant another row of borage this summer,
will you come back, happily humming creatures?
I miss your industry and purposeful lives,
and what would life be like
without honey?