The Bees

From my back window, I saw small shapes around the front of the box. I walked out to watch them.

Dec 9, 2024 • Joe Willey

As I lifted the frame free of the box, a geyser of bees rushed at me with buzzing anger.

Jul 5, 2024 • Joe Willey

I saw queen cells, frames of worker bees, and an empty hive box yawning like a grave.

Jun 7, 2024 • Joe Willey

The Queen Is Dead, Long Live the Queen

I went to the silent hive box and rapped on the top. It sounded as hollow as death.

Apr 18, 2024 • Joe Willey

From my back window, I saw small shapes around the front of the box. I walked out to watch them.

Apr 10, 2024 • Joe Willey

Flowing With Honey

There was a sticky resistance. I wiggled the frame slightly, bending over the super for a closer look.

Feb 2, 2024 • Joe Willey

As my eyes curiously wandered over rows of brood, I saw it. One cell crumbled at its center.

Sep 21, 2023 • Joe Willey

Queen, Drone, Worker

Then, the mass of bees parted, and I saw a pink dot moving in a sea of wings and stripped wagging abdomens.

Sep 7, 2023 • Joe Willey

I grabbed a notebook sitting beside me and swatted at the bee. My aim was true.

Aug 10, 2023 • Joe Willey

The First Inspection

That afternoon, the bees were restless, flying aimlessly in looping circles under the arching limbs of the hackberry and above the waiting hive boxes.

Aug 3, 2023 • Joe Willey

I saw bees huddled around the vents, pushing against each other, spindly legs stretching through the slits.

Jul 27, 2023 • Joe Willey

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