Despite my defense of Masato's fairies, I think Malcolm is right that there's a pejorative cast on these particular "atomies."

So I dunno about fireflies -- they are positive images, poetically speaking, while these "atomies" whereof we speak seem to be pesky creatures whose exaltation the poor bee cannot begin to comprehend in view of her self-perceived superior worth.

If I had to guess, I'd venture that they're what my dear old Dad used to call "no-see-ums": tiny annoying creatures that fly up your nose into your eyes, seemingly on purpose. In which case, no wonder she's upset!

Does "fruitless flies" make anyone besides me roll on the floor clutching my sides laughing?

Claire