The bees cried --
(having witnessed the reptilian law) --
they knew their own purpose was to be
   a mortal sting: of flesh, of blood,
    of soul...
Their vision: an amber tear of death,
of pain, of the blackest love...
And the shimmering serpents --
    once there, now here, yet there again --
observed the bees, with scaled eyes,
    and yawned...
they were the ancient gods,
still holding fast to their slithering
    sequined power --
bound to earth, they watched the bees...
and forgave their winged messengers.