as I champion the cause of the disappearing bees

How did powders begin to
canvas the situation
grasp a toe hold
swing over the wall
while leaving incoming powders
to hoist more up and over?
The metaphor stretched almost to incomprehension.

Collagen peptides, the first to appear
promised healthier, stronger
hair, skin and bones.
unflavored as they melted into an inch of hot coffee
and 2 inches of oat milk.

Daily Microbiome Nutrition, invited in by a health podcast
(later dismissed by a doctor of internal medicine)
pledged fortified gut health
and a stronger immune system
blended into keffir
with frozen berries and bananas
fruitier and sweeter than expected
zhuzhed (Vitamixed) into pricey daily smoothies

Electrolytes, suggested by staff
at the plasma donation center
after a fainting incident
reinforced more water and mineral absorption
the possibility of faster blood flow
reducing the amount of time a needle
is in your arm extracting life giving fluids.
electrolytes scooped and measured into water
adult lemonade or koolaid.

Bone broth, the next powder with arms extended
awaiting delivery
Its trendy pitch?
Protein! Immune Support! Gut Health!
slow cooked it forms the foundation for
steamed rice or crockpot beans.

Powder Promises join
Chia seeds shaken into oatmeal
Jammy prunes counted and consumed daily
Iron supplements taken with Vitamin C and non-dairy foods.
Also a return to my native kimchi!

With the introduction of powders:
judgment of preprocessed foods
dissolves.
As I purport to champion the cause of
the disappearing bees.

NOTE: This poem was inspired by the July Poetry Challenge #28 and the poem At the end of the world, you tell me about the bees by Murial Leung