The Beekeeper of Assisi

While the plump Archbishop rests at his ease,
the priest of Assisi tends to his bees, soothes
them to a doze with the smoke of burning leaves.

He mouths a folk-melody as he harvests their honey,
the refrain a softly expressed plea, "My sweets,
bring forth your bounty for Lord Jesus."

While the plump Archbishop gobbles his cheese and quaffs
his mead, the priest sees to their needs, "My sweets,
bring forth your bounty for Lord Jesus."

While the plump Archbishop rests at his ease,
the priest of Assisi tends to his bees, "My sweets,
bring forth your bounty for Lord Jesus."

Christopher T. George