A/N: Prompt 17 from zanganito: Beekeeping
Beekeeping
January: Bees are sleeping. Time to check each beehive's state.
A friend is due, retired at last, with endless days to contemplate.
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February: Bees aroused, are weighed and fed; remain confined.
Gentle walks across the Downs, the winter blues are left behind.
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March: The bees are animated; hives are lifted, cleaned and checked.
Longer walks along the shoreline, seas are rough, and white wave flecked.
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April: Every hive is buzzing; bees seek out where wild flowers bloom.
Doors are open wide, spring cleaning; sunlight filters, lights each room.
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May: The bees are multiplying; watchful eyes in case they swarm.
Alternating showers and sunlight, raincoats grabbed for summer storm.
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June: The bees rise up to swarm; the sweetest honeycombs collected.
Home-made wine and bounty sampled; routine work, for once, neglected.
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July: The bees need shade and moisture; shelter from the midday sun.
Picnics on the beach and wide-brimmed hats; then home when day is done.
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August: Bees become quite restless; wasps are nesting, threaten space.
Quiet and scholarly pursuits, a slow and almost languid pace.
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September: Bees slow down and hives are readied for much cooler air.
Daily rambles, falling leaves, the signs of harvest everywhere.
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October: Bees are settling down, protected as the nights draw in.
Cold and bracing days, which end with serenades from violin.
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November: Hives are scoured, and small intruders sought and cast aside.
Gales blow in across the channel, sea birds wheeling with the tide.
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December: Bees are dazzled, sun on snow, hives closed, the old year ends.
Christmastide is celebrated, glasses raised, to lifelong friends.
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A/N 2: details of the beekeeping year are inspired by the final chapter of "The Practical Apiarian: A Treatise on the Improved Management of Bees" by George Strutt of Boxted, Suffolk, written in 1825