Be (v)  exist

Bee (n) a hymenopterous insect that feed on pollen and nectar and often produce honey.

It was just a matter of time before these words came up in the Word Well!  Bees have been part of our household for the last eleven years.  My husband maintains the backyard apiary and has me on stand-by as the back-up beekeeper when he’s gone on extended bicycle adventures.  Bees are amazing little creatures.  The way they function in the hive is nothing less than a miracle from building comb, to nectar and pollen collection, and the ultimate, production of honey.  Miraculous! The honey bee is a study in roles, focus and drive.  Each bee knows its purpose and never deviates from the task assigned.  Worker, drone, queen – all live to support the community.

The word “be” can pose confusion if simply speaking it out loud. The distinction of one or two e’s leans on the context of the word.  It could lead to some very be-wildering conversations. I couldn’t resist!  Seriously, though, the word “be”, to exist, is a very tiny word with a powerful job: be happy, or be present or a popular one among introverts, just let me be!  “Be” directs action or emotion. Surprisingly, there are eight different forms of be: be, am, are, is, was, were, being, and been. This contributes to it being one of the most used words in the English language.

It is an odd phenomenon, once you focus attention on something, suddenly, you’re more aware of its frequency of usage.  As an example, be still; be not afraid, be strong and courageous, be the light, be watchful, you will be changed, all phrases appearing in the Bible. One of Hamlet’s most quoted soliloquies contemplates existence through the use of “be”. Not only is its usage common, we’re living the word.  Every day we exist.  Every day we are an example of being.

I’ll admit, this word choice was a stretch.  Similar sounding terms may not always be as confusing as initially thought. Though the two words sound identical, their role in language is distinctive.  Whether you are a supporter of bees or simply just want to be, it’s a good place to be.