Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Stranded on the road, closed up tight in her shell Too frightened to head out of the heavy traffic I took the turtle home to make sure all was well. She was hungry for she hadn’t eaten since a day So I dug up four juicy earthworms and put in a bin The first worm wiggled but the turtle didn’t prey. We sat quietly and waited and waited and waited Ants crawled across the pavement and we waited Hummingbirds buzzed overhead and we waited. Finally I noticed her eyes tracking a worm, Slowly shifting her body in right direction Snapped opened her jaws, picked up the worm And gummed it to death as turtles lack teeth. Was full after two worms, a bit in mouth like a cigar Autism in turtles is a successful failure Its shell, an amazing self-defense mechanism Carry their homes and are always at home Self sufficient mostly, long life, and endurance Proving the proverb, “Slow and steady wins the race”. ** Inspired by a visit to Myrtle Beach State Park, SC (eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) July 30, 2014 Form: Free Verse Dr. Ram Mehta