The Union Bumblebee

He knew his assignment. It was the same assignment for his entire life.

Fly out from the hive, jump from plant to plant, bringing pollen from one stalk to the next.

And on the way back, take a little nectar to make some honey.

It’s a union thing. He was in the International Order of Bumblebees, Local 456. While his rank and file brethren worked on various daffodils and zinnias and pansies, this proud card-carrying union member had a specific sunflower as his territory.

For him, it was his ideal locale. Pollenate this brilliant sunflower, then head back to the hive.

He had no idea that someone was watching him. Nor did he really care. Pollentation is more important. He was not put upon this earth to waste his talents. That was not part of union code. Such actions were reserved for wasps and hornets and yellowjackets, not for a proud union bumblebee.

So he did his work that afternoon.

And in the one instance that he stopped to check out his surroundings, and make sure all was safe to continue pollenating …

The photographer took his picture.