by Nina Coles

born a wasp 
in a world of bees. 

you are beautiful indeed— 
a small fuzz 
with little wings, 
constantly a buzz. 

black and yellow striped, 
little bee you are— 
so far from me. 

i’m sleek and slender 
with wide wings, 
my long legs 
and fearsome stinger. 

we are so similar, 
yet the humans protect you, 
and the sandal welcomes me. 

maybe in my next life 
i will be 
more like you 
and less like me. 

SPLAT. 

no time like the present.