I ADORE OWLS AND BEES

I’m sick

Of masculinity of power:

To live my dream

I search around

For insects and birds

That keep life in balance

Without harm

To lift my spirit

In style

To keep me alert

In good faith.

Because in the spring

Bees play with flowers

To get rid of winter

To announce the summer

I must invite their service.

In the glare of day

I court the agile insect

Whose slender waist

I can hold tight

In a slow rumba dance

To lift my body and soul

To a sweeter aroma of peace.

When on the dance floor

I plead for elegance

Of dazzling stamina

So that coupled

We can infuse the world

With the nectars

That can pollinate into life

An eternal spring of love.

When the night sets in

I pray to be endowed

With the faith of an owl

So that I can keep watch

And serenade lovers awake

To keep away demons

Who under cover of darkness

Prowl menacingly about

To entice gullible hearts

To brew hurt

To destroy trust.

When dawn comes

I’ll go on my knees

To plead with the goddesses

To transform me into a day owl

So that I can remain faithful

So that I can mock night dancers

Bent to decree our ruin.

Now you know

Why I adore

Bees and owls.

When I’m reincarnated

I’ll be a dove

To carry seeds

Of peace and hope

To countless hearts

For a loving world.

Amii Omara-Otunnu