I had to tell the bees
That I was sticks and stones.
They trembled at the knees,
They wobbled in their bones.

I had to show the trees
That I was wings and stings.
They chuckled up a breeze
From deepest roots and rings.

I had to be the seas,
For I was fight and foam.
We battled all we pleased
In salty honeycomb.

Now we’re all friends and foes.
We’re feared and fearful both.
The same in different clothes.