The pain of the grits T. Ray forced on Lily's knees
Is the start of the story of The Secret Life of Bees.

Racism and prejudice could be seen all around.
The "secret life of bees" was the only hope she found.

Lily, a white girl, knew she had to run far away
When the bee trapped in a jar did nothing but stay.

She could no longer stand being abused,
While white men got Rosaleen beaten and bruised.

Secret Life of Bees Poem
Stanza 1