I was finishing my morning walk.
When I saw the turtle.
Sitting in the middle of the street.
Large, green, ponderous.
Lichen sticking to its shell, a patina.
Oh no, I thought, as I ran toward it.
To pluck it from its precarious place.
Just as a huge white truck started turning toward us.
I jumped into the road.
Waving arms, pointing, shouting, stop.
The driver slammed on his brakes.
Exited the cab of the vehicle.
Be careful, I wagged my forefinger again toward the turtle.
Could you put it back on the lawn? I asked politely.
But, the man spoke quickly.
Explaining he had five turtles in his yard at home.
He wanted to take this one to add to the collection.
My heart started racing.
My head spun.
As I’m an advocate for animal freedom.
Wild creatures belong in the wild.
But there was no stopping him.
He lifted the reptile.
Tucked it into his trunk.
Leaving my thoughts in pieces.
I wished the turtle to be safe,
near a grassy, leafy pond.
Close to all its relatives,
near to where it spawned.
But, if it wanders into traffic,
like a careless vagabond,
then anyone who comes along,
with the tortoise could abscond.
Though my worries flocked like starlings,
fretting I could be conned,
he might get the protection he needs
postponing the great beyond.
I reassured myself
the man knew how to bond.
The old turtle would be content.
Of his new home grow fond.
The living space would be charming,
elegant, well adorned.
Elevating the old creature
to pizazz in beau monde.
Lynn Benjamin
June 20, 2024
Beau monde is the world of high society.
