Emily Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake)

Here you will find the Poem The homing bee of poet Emily Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake)

The homing bee

You are belted with gold, little brother of mine, 
 Yellow gold, like the sun 
That spills in the west, as a chalice of wine 
 When feasting is done. 

You are gossamer-winged, little brother of mine, 
 Tissue winged, like the mist 
That broods where the marshes melt into a line 
 Of vapour sun-kissed. 

You are laden with sweets, little brother of mine, 
 Flower sweets, like the touch 
Of hands we have longed for, of arms that entwine, 
 Of lips that love much. 

You are better than I, little brother of mine, 
 Than I, human-souled, 
For you bring from the blossoms and red summer shine, 
 For others, your gold.