TURTLE

In the dark shade of the country road

His daring dash to get across to the other side

Was almost completed

When I came driving around the turn to see

The turtle

Head stretched out

Nose pointing like an arrowhead

His round helmet shell body damp and black

Driven by four determined legs

Tail stuck out behind

A rudder of absolute purpose

To go, go, go straight ahead & fast

Just one more yard of roadway left

Before the safety of the thick forest greenery

Of course as in our life all is relative

And so the fast gear of this turtle

Is fast in comparison to the pace of the snail & worm

My point is that I had to hit my brakes

And swerve a bit

To avoid running the courageous turtle over crunch

Passing by I saw him in the rear view mirror

Stepping into the haven of the forest

Safe and very much alive

Going on my way I mused on the virtues of such turtles

They must be filled with

Inborn faith & a hope in life

For they seem to me to be

So aware of God’s presence in their lives

That fear is unknown to them

And their souls are so filled with

Serenity & courage & wisdom

They seem like the eagle to be

So beyond the ordinary

That they make me think of

Angels & saints & heaven

Oh suddenly found turtle

Would you come live with me

I want to look into your eyes

& I want to learn from you

czaja