Artisans

Small gold honeybees
hover
on blossoms
of tough stemmed
New England ivy.
Nectar scarce,
they needle
tiny blooms, trace
on round bobbins
their white thread,
as Brussels women
in caps, intent over linen
webs draw sweet lace
patterned by September.
Late in the day,
the white butterfly
appears, brushes
the flowers
with random joy.