To Be Better at Getting Honey

You may remember me saying that each of us is both scientist and poet. I need to expand that thought. The poet is Third Nature, exploring new ideas creatively. The scientist is Second Nature, gathering evidence and making sense of things. 

I would add that First Nature is the busy worker doing the usual without much thought because the routine is settled and the tools are at hand. A beekeeper will tell you that getting honey is not that simple. 

A worker beekeeper may raise bees successfully for years until the bees all die because of varroa mites or chemicals used in agriculture. Then the old methods just don't work any more.

A poet beekeeper imagines putting a bluetooth speaker in the hive playing an audiobook of Ulysses by James Joyce at high volume. Should work. As I recall, when I listened, I was gone after the first chapter. The varroa mites might last two or three chapters. We could try some Tennyson between chapters to make sure the bees don't leave. Failing that, we will see what can be done with genetic engineering or ultrasound or magnetic fields or perfume or a ban on pesticides. The research is going to take some time during which we will be scientist beekeepers. We'll have to get funding and be bookkeeper beekeepers for awhile. Meanwhile we can grow something self-pollinating like beans and squash and get accustomed to breakfast without honey like wannabe beekeepers.

While the poet is busy thinking, she would be a good meal for a bear who would prefer honey but will enjoy a nice poet if there's nothing sweeter available. Poets should be aware that there is a time to stop thinking and run. 

Sorry if I'm rambling. 286 words so far.
I actually have an idea in mind. Just a few more words.

Working as usual is dandy
when things are good.
Otherwise, we do better
being poet and scientist as well as worker,
all of that and more
as the situation demands. 

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Beekeeper Looks for Answers: CBC News, July 2, 2024