Shelter in Place

Shelter In Place Written by Emily Greulich

The virgin bumble bee leaves the hive to mate, then the whole colony dies — except for her.

Huddled in a thumbprint of dark earth through a hug of long winter she grieves. Little bee, when you are cold, do you think of your past or your future, for warmth?

And will you love the bees of rebirth who only see the spring and summer? Do not hibernate nor thaw? Who will never know of death and life, like you do?

Emerge, queen bumble bee, even long winters must end.

Illustration by Emily Greulich