Water drenched the land
So, in mud, we stand
*
When the sun blew up the sky
we wandered to a place of old
*
Snake Lake had wonders to behold
and there you sunned, openly bold
alone on that log, an outsider
an invasive red-eared slider - -
while a native Western Pond turtle lived
in a glass encasement, you strived
to survive in the wetland
*
the local turtle's life planned
so kids can view and learn
but, for his freedom, I yearn,
knowing its too late to live free
- my heart must simply let it be
The Nature Center now holds classes. In the old days they didn’t and it’s wonderful to know it is a living classroom with new outdoor features and great indoor exhibits. The trails are well used and the park is across a busy road from a high school. I talked to the indoor turtle and s/he lifted its head and interacted with me. We have tree frogs in our back yard, on sides of the house, and the back porch and hear them daily; children can see them up close in the Nature Center.
Copyright © 3/22/2025 by Andrea O. Corwin
I am grateful you read my work! 😃 If you liked it, please give it a like by clicking the heart♡, drop a comment, and subscribe for free. - - Andi
About the Creator
Andrea Corwin
🐘Wildlife 🌳 Environment 🥋3rd° See nature through my eyes
Poetry, fiction, horror, life experiences, and author photos. Written without A.I. © Andrea O. Corwin
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Comments (20)
Well-wrought! I often see turtles subathing on the bank or floating on the top of a pond I walk by. Sometimes the water's so clear you can see them skip-swimming across the bottom too. Much faster under water!
Great poem! I love visiting the turtles at my local natural history musuem.
Cute poem & photos… interesting info too.✅
Aww... I feel for the contained turtle. Fabulously-written poem Andrea! You now have me wanting to revisit Snake Lake. It is right across the street from my alma mater! Go Falcons! Lol ✊🏾 :)))
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
This is great for there should be more of these places to learn and study. Good job.
Thanks for sharing such a lovely observational moment with us, Andrea! We live right by a Nature Center that has similar programs!
I shiver when I see red sliders in pet stores. I grew up with little green turtles so readily available at fairs. I apologize to the turtle god a lot!
Such a great poem! I love watching turtles chill on their logs.
Aww, so beautiful and inspiring, Andrea 🥰 Thanks for sharing~
Beautiful
That's a lovely nature poem. Well done.
Awww, he/she interacted with you! That's sooooo sweet! Loved your poem!
Beautiful poem and loved the pics, Andi! We have lots of common tree frogs vocalizing in our yard once the weather turns warm too. Last couple years we've had a new visitor that chirps like a bird, but have not been able to get close enough to it in the dark to ID it. He serenaded us three nights this week.
Turtles were my second favorite animal when I went diving behind manta rays. They are such peaceful creatures that don't seem to have a care in the world and just go about their business without troubling anyone. Snake lake looks like a very peaceful spot.
To zoo or not to zoo that is the question. In this case it sounds like a recovery center and those are helpful. It nice to see animals up close it is Great to see them in the wild.
The nature centre sounds amazing. I love turtles too - we used to get them in the yard and our weirdo dogs would lick their shells?! 🙄 I’m sure they appreciated that! Great poem - well done.
It is a conundrum, being sad to see them behind glass, but I love seeing my kids joy and delight
I loved the turtle poem. 🐢They are so gentle creatures. Yes, when you talk to them they react and respond somehow. They also like petting on their head.
Turtles are such neat reptiles. <3 Loved your poem <3