Laline Paull

Two days ago when the sun was bright and I was walking down Bayswater Road in the throng, I saw the most gorgeous Bombini queen, I am sure newly emerged, walking carefully down the pavement.  She was making her progress amidst clomping human boots and stroller wheels, and it was instinctive to pick her up and try to put her on some greenery.  She did not wish to forage and wanted to be on the ground, so I thought she was looking to make her nest somewhere and there was no chance of that.  I put her into my spectacle case and carried her back with me, to the communal garden in front of my own new home.  She was the most exquisite being, absolutely perfect, and I watched her for a long time moving over the leaf litter, until she disappeared.  My heart was full of the privilege of the encounter.  So the bee, if I may, in all her forms.  It was Chinese New Year too. Photo by Richard Bartz