The Assault (Amazilia cerviniventris)

A wingëd rocket, curving through An amethyst trajectory, Blew up the magazines of dew Within the fortress of the bee. Some say the tulip mortar sent The missile forth; I do not know; I scarcely saw which way it went, Its whisk of flame surprised me so. I heard the sudden hum and boom, And saw the arc of purple light Across the garden's rosy gloom; Then something glorious blurred my sight! The bees forgot to sound alarm, And did not pause their gates to lock; A topaz terror took by storm The tower of the hollyhock. Above the rose a halo hung, As if a bomb had been a gem, And round the dahlia's head was swung A blade that looked a diadem. What more befell I cannot say; By ruby glint and emerald gleam My sense was dazed; the garden lay Around me like an opal dream!