The intent was simple, to clear a flower bed untended for years. There was so much growth of grass, weeds and young trees, what may have been intentional could not be saved. To clear and replant was the only choice. With lots of shoveling I began to clear. Several shoveled removals later I noticed a bee having a grand time around the blossoms of a plant I knew not. I noticed another dancing around a removed plant’s blossoms as the dislodged plant lay on the ground.

               So much has been written of the plight of the bees. Such a small unnoticed but vital cycle of life. I sat on the ground watching their dance and noticing what seemed like pollen gathering upon their bodies. Beyond their struggle to exist I thought of the way nature has allowed plants to grow. In satisfying their desire the bee’s body gathers pollen which gives life to plants. And what was my desire? Would I gather pollen to nurture life in the satisfaction of my desire or would my desire stand bereft of nurturing?

               The image is of a bee at another time and place. A reminder the lesson extended beyond what I saw in the moment. Leaving the flowering plants I removed by hand as much overgrowth crowding them as I could. Those dislodged were quickly replanted. A small corn meal blessing, my own version of pollen, was left around the stems. I declared my clearing completed for now, perhaps to clear later and even plant additional similar blooming flowers. With a bow and tear, I smiled to hear the whisper, that my body, my heart, my efforts would forever leave the touch of pollen upon this earth and all.