Late winter

pretending to spring

a watchful presence appears

declaring itself king

Prestigious with an attitude

big and strong

guarding the corner fence

beginning at dawn

Protecting the nest

filled with the renewal of life

chasing all that come near

creating some strife

Spring weeds with blooms appear

feasting on the nectar

the carpenter bee becomes plump

quite the collector

Voracious appetite

invading the hummingbird feeders

chasing away any who challenge

clearly a leader

Winter returns

tired of the charade

sending the carpenter bees into turmoil

no longer able to invade

Seeping back into the nest

the carpenter bee vows revenge

actual spring will come

and again we will descend