Mysteries of Nature

The kitten’s ears perked
His gaze intent upon
His target…
The bumblebee
Who buzzed methodically

From tiny clover
To tiny clover
In our backyard
As my father and me
Sat near the picnic table

Observing.  
“Watch out,” said I,
But my father said,
“Just wait and see.”  
The kitten stalked

Rocked his hind quarters
Thrashed his tail twice
For balance
And pounced
Pinning his prey

Beneath both of his
Tiny paws.  
I waited breathless
As with a few struggling
Buzzes, the bee  

Slowly freed herself
And I, still breathless as
She flew off heedless
And resumed her chores.  
I thought

For decades
My father was many things
But also wise; yet since he
Is now long gone am
Left to wonder:
Did he know?  

-- Tom Rubenoff