Time to Listen to the Bees

It is high summer, and the buzzing of bees fills flower beds and meadows.
Yet, like many others, I have noticed that there seem to be fewer bees around than before.

I have read several articles describing the situation for the world’s wild bees as deeply concerning. Scientists and ecologists warn that wild bee populations are declining rapidly, with serious consequences for both human nutrition and ecosystem stability.
Wild bees face major challenges from habitat loss, a lack of flowering plants, pesticides, diseases and parasites, and climate change.
Fewer bees mean lower crop yields, less diversity in our food supply, and negative effects throughout entire ecosystems.
We can all help bees through simple methods such as planting bee-friendly flowers, avoiding harmful pesticides, and allowing parts of our gardens to grow wild. Even small actions can provide these important pollinators with the food and habitats they need to thrive.

While pondering the lives of bees and the alarming global decline in their numbers, I came across the haiku “A Bee” by Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694). It became the inspiration for this piece.
This haiku is translated by Robert Hass.

“Time to Listen to the Bees” is freemotion appliquéd, freemotion quilted, and hand embroidered. The background is pieced.
The bees are hand painted and freemotion stitched.
This time the crocheted elements are cut pieces from a pink doily.