Caressing Turtles
On certain days I feel like turtle-feet.
Interpretations vary, though. I.e.
Close up, they have the stumpy, muscled look
of infant elephants: one sandy stomp
can flatten a coquina. Scooped aloft,
however, they’re just stubby: much too squat
to flail with any dignity – and yet,
too stubborn not to try. Please don’t caress.
for though you may imagine turtle feet
as flat and firm and foreign, they retract
to leave a rounded hollow on your cheek:
a cool, ridged mouth like sea-shells. And the foot,
however textured, curls into itself,
aloof as unborn babies – yet complete.
Page(s) 26
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