TELL THE BEES

it started back in england
why it started, no one's said
but members of the household
told the bees when one was dead
.
they carried out this custom
so the hive could also grieve
and keep producing honey
or not not die themselves, nor leave
.
the hive then would be covered
with a mourning cloth of black
to let the buzzing members know
when one would not be back
.
a person was then chosen
as the covering was hung
the bees were in attendance
as a doleful tune was sung
.
at other times, one simply knocked
on hives with household keys
and calling out the loved one's name
they'd notify the bees