Quietly they glide

under every leaf

carefully looking

for food and thieves.

 

The thieves steal sap

from plants we love.

They bite fruit and

suck leaves dry.

Thieves bring

blights and disease.

 

The guardians understand

when

their watering hole

is about to be refilled.

They thirstily watch

and when it’s full,

they light.

 

They remember faces,

each other’s, and yours.

If you’re horrible to them,

they’ll be horrible to you.

Be wise enough to realize

when they bonk you

on the head,

it is their fair warning,

it’s time to walk away.

 

If you treat them gently,

if you give them space,

they will protect your garden

all will flourish,

all will have peace.