lining the metal shelves of the studio amid the pinecones and glaze pots,

the clay bins and pot stilts are kiln posts –

(hollow fire brick to rest the shelves on in the kiln-)

all heights so as not to inhibit creativity –

stacked like a small city,

they wait.

who knew they were waiting for tenants?

We never know what we are building – or who will move in!

don’t be surprised –

if it is wasps.

A friend of mine grows sunflowers that reach the sky,

covered now in glorious yellow!

at nightfall, each head still filled with bees-

pollen drunk and frozen – the temperature is dropping,

far from home with no designated driver the bees cling-

She rescues them with her warm care –

and in the morning they fly home

renewed.

wasps eat mosquitoes, bees make honey.

Whether our work is seasonal or constant,

 we all are needed, and we all need a warm home.

we never truly know what we build or grow,

so try to do it with kindness.