// version 1 Just past the autumn equinox the bees
are moving through the garden
flower to flower
alighting on blue sage
and yellow daisies
on purple dahlias and
gold chrysanthemums
harvesting the summer's
sweet remains
the fruits of July's sunshine
August's heat
and last weeks rains
that washed away the dust
clearing the air of smoke
from distant fires
the bees are hard at work
as if aware
that winter will soon see them
in retreat
and I too sense the dark days
coming on
and feel a need to gather what I can
of memories and dreams
thoughts and reflections
pollen to turn to honey
in the hive
bee bread to feed the life
that waits for spring
to stretch new wings and fly

// version 2 Just past the autumn equinox the bees
are moving through the garden
flower to flower
alighting on blue sage
and yellow daisies
harvesting the summer's
sweet remains
the fruits of August's heat
July's sunshine
and last weeks rains
that washed away the dust
clearing the air of smoke
from distant fires
the bees are hard at work
as if aware
that winter will soon see them
in retreat
and I too sense the dark days
coming on
and feel a need to gather what I can
of memories and dreams
thoughts and reflections
pollen to turn to honey
in the hive
bee bread for the life
that in the spring
will stretch new wings
and fly