Lilies to me sometimes have a semi-sentient animal quality, particularly in dimmer light.
I have a tendency to photograph them obsessively because of this back-of-the-brain response.

An active and attractive little bee; I think it's the species above since it's not as flattened and 'bee-like' as the most common Leioproctus genus is supposed to be (I could be mistaken).
Using my 1:2 life-size 90mm Tokina macro lens on the crop-sensor Nikon D300 results in a decent scale within the frame for insects down to around 1cm in length. It also provides sufficient distance from the front element to give plenty of unshaded natural light from all angles and a less disturbing proximity to shy creatures.

This genus of native bees has currently only seven described species.
They are quite tiny and unobtrusive, without typical pollen carrying structures on their legs.
They seem to be abundant here and I've seen plenty of them feeding on Pohutukawa nectar.

S l e e p e r   t o w n

a shallow bay of memories
with lifting mist and generally
beyond the ken of waking thought
the grinding drive the goals unsought
by all except the outer shell 
the home wherein all daylight dwells
a burning light to seal the flesh
and sear away unwelcome guests
who fill the air and deaden sound
nameless in a sleeper town

a shallow bay of memories
with lifting mist and generally
expiring cores of sodden hope
that smoulder in their choking smoke
no words of comfort to be told
nor revelations here unfold
a tidal silver here alloyed
becomes pure black the deeper void
to fill the lungs already drowned
nameless in a sleeper town

R