09/06/2026
An Ode to a Most Determined Bumblebee
This afternoon there entered, quite without invitation, a Bumblebee of remarkable self-confidence.
He did not hover timidly at the threshold, nor inquire whether his presence might be welcome. Instead, he swept into the house with all the authority of a visiting Duke inspecting a recently acquired estate.
Having completed several circuits of the room, he proceeded to examine the windows, the flowers, the curtains, and, I suspect, the quality of the housekeeping.
He then stationed himself prominently upon the sill, where he appeared to consider himself master of all he surveyed.
His coat was of the finest velvet black and gold, his manners energetic rather than refined, and his opinions, though never verbally expressed, seemed both numerous and firmly held.
One could not help but admire him.
For here was no meek creature blown astray by fortune, but rather a small ambassador from the garden kingdom, arriving with purpose and consequence.
At length, having satisfied himself that the house, its occupants, and their arrangements met with at least provisional approval, he departed, slightly in dismay as being scooped up in a cup, in a thunderous hum of self-importance and returned to his affairs among the roses.
The room seemed strangely quieter after his departure.
And though his visit had been entirely unsolicited, one felt honoured nonetheless.
For there are guests who arrive with apologies,
and there are guests who arrive with character.
The Bumblebee belonged most decidedly to the latter.
