The Buzz About Bee | Angela Motshwadiba

In a meadow full of flowers, under skies of brightest blue,

Bee zipped past her friend one day — as playful bees will do.

Caterpillar yawned and said, "I think it's time to rest."

She spun herself a silky bed — a cosy, hanging nest.

Ladybird gasped, "Oh mercy me! That looked a little rough —

Bee just stung poor Caterpillar, and now she's had enough!"

To Junebug she went at once, "You simply will not guess —

Bee stung her over lunchtime, and left a dreadful mess!"

Junebug found old Mantis next and whispered, "It is true —

Bee stole her picnic basket, then stung her black and blue!"

Mantis told it differently, "It's worse than what you've heard —

Bee stung her for her treasure, and turned her to a bird!"

Mayfly met up with Firefly, "It's magic — that's the thing!

Bee zapped her into stone with lightning from his sting!"

Firefly told Dung Beetle, "This week's been quite alarming —

Bee's freezing bugs in giant rocks... he's building up an army!"

The rumours rolled from mouth to mouth, they whirled and looped and flew,

Till every bug had heard the tale (or two... or three... or few!).

They marched to where the chrysalis hung, each face a frown and glare,

Determined Bee should answer them — the meadow's not for scare!

Bee buzzed and said, "What's going on? Why all the stomping feet?"

"You turned her to a tree!" they cried. "You spun her 'til she's beat!"

"You zapped her into stone!" one yelled. "You stole her golden ring!"

Ladybird said, "I saw it all — you stung her with your sting!"

Bee chuckled, "No, that's not the truth, it's just a silly thing...

I only flew right past my friend while playing chase-in-spring."

CRACK!

Went the chrysalis shell — the silky walls gave way,

Out stepped a beaming Butterfly, in dazzling display!

"I've been asleep for days," she laughed, "and dreaming of the skies.

I used to be your Caterpillar — just look into my eyes!

Bee never hurt me once — in fact, he's been a dear.

All your tales were make-believe, though fun for me to hear!"

The insects sighed and chuckled too, "Oh dear, what have we done?

It seems our tale grew taller in the bright and blazing sun!"

"So next time," Bee said with a smile, "before the rumours grow,

Just ask me first — the truth is best. That's all you need to know."

They left with hugs and laughter, the story fully squashed —

Except Dung Beetle whispered, "That army thing? P'raps not completely washed..."

About This Story

Rumours can fly faster than bees! I wrote this story to show how quickly a small misunderstanding can turn into a giant rock-bug army.

Always ask for the truth, my little friends!

- Angela L. Motshwadiba