Maybe I should’ve listened at the bee sting
between my toes yesterday evening

before bats were summoned to fly
low rings around my head

while I duck in fear and shame.
Before I crouch down,

then belly crawl across the hardwood floor.
Before I stare in awe on the other

side of the glass watching their wing
beats while they circle like a mobile

looking for a way out.
Before I begin to wonder if

I know anything at all.