Turtles

Turtle, a reptile

but not hostile,

unlike,

snakes or crocodiles.

It’s an God avatar,

in Hindu mythology

and a symbol of luck

wisdom and longevity,

in Chinese, and Japanese.

Where I live,

lakes have turtles,

and I see them often.

As winter approaches,

they go to winter sleep,

under the mud,

called brumation.

In spring, as it warms up,

they surface again.

You see the one above?

It had just emerged,

so covered in clay.

They love basking,

in the sun,

often in bales.

They are calm and slow,

but I once saw one,

crossing the trail.

It sensed threat,

and slid down,

with swiftness.

I have seen,

mother and baby,

engaging in fondness.

On a drought phase,

as the reservoir dried,

spotted a turtle,

making brave journey,

for fresh water.

The more you learn

about a creature,

the more kinship you feel.

I hope you enjoyed,

learning about the turtle.