The Beast of Turtle Lake
A legend tells of a place I know
where people feared to tread.
And if they did, they often disappeared
and the Natives feared them dead.
The Cree tell stories in whispered tones
of a creature to forsake.
A Beast that preys on human flesh
and swims in Turtle Lake.
I had heard about the legend
and wondered if it's true?
And drove up early on a Friday
to see an Elder who I knew.
He told me of a story
when two men failed to take
The advice to leave the creature be
who swam in Turtle Lake.
'Dave Simmons was a Lawyer
and his friend was Richard Flake.
And fishing was their passion,
spending every weekend at the lake.
Their wives weren't very happy
to hear their brand new goal.
To try and catch the vile creature
who ate most people whole.'
The Elder said, 'They were quite concerned
on the beast they hoped to meet.
And who and what this creature was
that they intend to greet?
They were not sure but what they heard
had made their spirits soar.
If the truth be told... they had their hopes
for a real Plesiosaur.'
'The weekend came as the men set out
upon the open road.
From Saskatoon, they soon arrived
to where the water flowed.
They would sleep the night, meet the sun
and hope the weather breaks.
For in the morning... they must be well prepared
to enter Turtle Lake.'
'The time had come and the crows were there
to gird their heads to wake.
Their mission clear... to catch the beast
who lived in Turtle Lake.
Breakfast had with their stomachs full,
they gazed beyond the shore.
To catch a glimpse and hear the roar
of that fearsome dinosaur.'
'They took a boat with leather seats,
a truly cushy ride.
I quietly stared and shook my head
when they refused a guide.
The men set out and thought a bit
on the words that I had said.
As it was early dawn... the Beast was out
and needed to be fed.'
'They trolled the point at a snail's pace...
they laid a chum of ham.
This didn't work, so they made a change
and tried a little lamb.
The Lake suddenly rose and the boat was swamped,
unsure what they had caught.
But it was huge and thus much too big
for all the net that they had bought.'
'Such a cost some men pay
when their talents they exceed.
To fake with pride and then succumb
to a creature who must feed.
But in the end... no man truly dies
if he leaves a cautious tale.
Because Life's a quest to find yourself
and follow Ahab's whale.'
'That's all I know,' the Elder said,
'Of this sad affair.
When two friends, Dave and Richard
didn't have a prayer.
But to this day some people say
when on the lake at night.
The Beast is seen swimming near the shore
with two men hanging tight.'
Tales are told of these men
who tried to catch a dragon.
Having failed... it certainly had
the Locals tongues a waggin'.
But be aware... to those who plan
to make the same mistake.
Don't try and catch the dreaded Beast
who swims in Turtle Lake.
The End
*For those who might be interested. I will be posting my cartoon 'Bob's your Uncle' on my home[page. A new one will appear every second day.
Copyright © David Mchattie | Year Posted 2019
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