I watch the yellowjacket hover by the railing
through a window.

Perhaps because of pollination, the bee reminds me
that I should be watering my roommate’s plants.

I hop up from my seat and fill a glass with water.
I dampen the earth inside his pots so that the plants
will grow.

I’d forgotten about the plants until I saw the yellowjacket.
Then the water overflows and spills onto the floor.

Some of the water slips down the foliage and
splashes on the table.

I curse like I would if I’d been stung, except under my
breath and hushed as if it didn’t really hurt
anymore.

Graphic: Freepik