A bumblebee buzzes under the eave
as I take a sip from my coffee cup.
Though the sun has yet to peep
over the mountaintop,
light is seeping into the world.
All is still
except for the bee and me.
Jasmine and juniper,
salvia and fig tree,
even chipmunks and quail
wait in silence.
All is still
but the bee and me
and the rolling restless sea.
Soon, soon
stirrings will burst
into full-throated blessing,
the rest and prayer
of this longed-for retreat day,
but in this moment
we perch on the threshold
and see,
as guests at the feast would,
the bee and me seeking and sipping,
creatures alike in our need,
that this day will be good,
yes, very good indeed.
The Kingdom of Enough 
It has been determined that the bee is the most important insect in the world. It is only proper that you paid homage to this creature (and yourself). Well done.
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They are amazing creatures. Have you read The Bees by Laline Paull? It’s an extraordinary novel – I learned a lot about bees and fell in love with the main character, Flora 717.
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Thanks, I ordered it from the library (of all places).
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Wow! It CAN be that simple IF we are receptive to the blessing that always surrounds us.
Your poem is like a gentle wake up call.
I especially loved the recurring “bee and me”, just like two kindred pilgrims reflecting on reality!
Well done, Mary! Thank You!
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Thank you, Sarojani! The trick is to hang on to that feeling now that I’m back at home …
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Beautiful!
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Nice, Mary, thanks.
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Thank you for this poem and for mentioning the book. I am planning a retreat at New Camaldoli and am
wondering from which room/ cottage this photo was taken?
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It was Room #2, St. Benedict. I hope you have a wonderful retreat there!
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