Tortoise

Come wrestle with a gator!
Said the poster at the fair.
With tape around its mouth, it looked
Pathetic in its lair.

Yet in a cage adjoining it,
A tortoise ambled 'round,
Its movements sure and steady,
One foot lifting off the ground.

With claws extended, it appeared
To glide on tippy toes;
Its ancient eyes gazed straight ahead,
A true reptilian pose.

The children leaned and stroked its shell.
It didn't seem to mind,
Although I'm sure it would have liked
A stroke from its own kind.

That tortoise kept on moving,
Though perhaps to help prepare
For a coming-soon encounter
With an unsuspecting hare!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Ludden Avatar
August 18, 2016 at 2:41 PM
Delightful! Clever and fun.
Johnson Avatar
December 3, 2012 at 3:06 PM
Always such an enjoyable write ilene. Your words always paint such a clever scene.
Anish Avatar
December 3, 2012 at 11:28 AM
This poem is really quite zoological triumph! Glad you liked my Chankah poem. I also have an article about Chanukah in the next issue of Barr's Postcard News. Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Komala Avatar
December 3, 2012 at 4:37 AM
lovely share...feel so nice reading your great work..thank you Ilene...have a wonderful blessing day.....much luv <3 SK
Harrell Avatar
December 2, 2012 at 9:35 PM
Lol, I knew Jon would like it. I like it too, Ilene. It is so cute, especially when you said "its ancient eyes". They do look ancient, don't they? They are adorable, so regal in their own way :)
Cavanaugh Avatar
December 2, 2012 at 7:26 PM
I love this so much. This poem is a true gem. A poem about animals with witty charm. This will be going among my favorites. Awesome poem!
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