Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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The African Bee (1969-1973). In Lesotho (Le su tu) , Africa, I was a biology professor. Of course I taught regular science classes, But in a country such as Lesotho, One was obliged to give more back to this poorer society. I thus decided one of my projects was to develop beekeeping. Africans are basically terrified of the native, very untame bee. For good reason. The African bee was always plundered and exploited; Unlike the European bee, which was selected over time for gentleness. Once again evolution--selection and mutation--play a major role. At any rate, I travelled to Ladybrand, South Africa To learn the art of African beekeeping. I learned how to completely dress with several layers; I learned the flowering sources for this species; I learned the whole art of collecting and extracting the comb honey. My first encounter with a swarm was in a garage. Box ready. Smoker lit and in I went. All were collected and confined in the cardboard boxes. Everything went like clockwork--I had learned the art! One works with bees often at night when they are grouped and calm, But no matter when, a smoker is always needed. I remember bundling Pierre, my one year old son, into the VW bus, And driving out into the night with boxes, smoker, Plus a plastic rounded hair curler to confine the queen, To collect a nearby swarm and transfer it into one of my hives. No problem. The child slept and I collected and delivered! One incident I will never forget--so naturally profound. A lovely, soft, quiet African afternoon' As I tore open the corrugated wall of a trading post, Behind which was a gigantic hive, A Mosotho mother, baby on her back, Stepped away from the crowd, Squatted, let her stream of urine flow, Got back up and walked away. Such a beautiful sight of a natural human function. At times, I collected whole combs to deliver to a local Holiday Inn. The idea came to me that they serve the combs, Sundays, on silver platters. They were delighted with the thought and combs were then delivered. So, that was the beginning of my introduction to yet another fellow creature. Beekeeping can be heavy work, But such a sweet, calming way to pass one's time and life experience. Frank Maurer 17 January 2023 1200 PM