In Keeping

by Laura Stemle

Bees dart and dance
Under the splay of a beech
The shadow of winded leaves
Runs over them like
Film through a projector
But not fast enough to
Catch a single beat of wings

The scent of honey
Moves in humid air
As deliberately as
Heat can take it

The river is swift
With rain
The scent of water
Wets the air
Making it slide of
Leaf and wing

The downs rise green
And run golden

The scent of Sussex
Carries off the sea
One grain short of tasting
Salt

And I follow the path
Of the bees
Headed home