The Bees Were Saved

Last week. Twenty-five million of them
were saved in the Beehive State, saved
by firefighters who cooled overheating hives,
saved the week I learned about festooning
(now bees form their living garlands).
Bless the firefighters. Bless the bees.
Last week, too, I saw smoke rise
from a mountainside aching with drought.
By my feet, dragonflies, bees,
and ladybugs landed on yellow yarrow.
Every living creature, ever-dwindling water,
I garland my words for you (for protection
and for praise). Bees, may you keep
making honey that will outlast us all.