TORTOISE
I want to be a tortoise not a hare,
For hares are hyperactive, hopping here and there
A tortoise takes life slow and easy
As when venturing out to criscross the road
Other creatures would be downright queasy
To leave their warm and cozy abode,
But a tortoise just says what the hell,
I look so damn handsome carrying my shell
Surely the cars and drivers will stop for me
If not, a pox on them and their progeny.
A tortoise does a hearty meet and greet
Right smack dab in the middle of the street.
I have been both tortoise and hare,
I once was the rabbit, hopping here and there,
So much to accomplish, so much to achieve.
I jumped in head first, I rolled up my sleeves.
When daylight faded I was still at my post.
Of gigantic feats I would proudly boast.
Once more from the frying pan into the fire,
A tightrope walker pressed into the fray,
Balancing so delicately on the highwire
'Til disease held me squarely in its top heavy sway.
Now I am a tortoise, creeping inch by inch
Curling up for a needed nap on the nearest park bench
Traversing busy highways with nary a thought,
Of whether I should or whether I ought.
Proceeding through the red lights without any hurry,
No need to ruminate and no need to worry.
I trust in the Lord and the hard shell on my back,
I have a relish for this life, I have a certain knack.
I am a proud terrific tortoise and I slowly make my way
Through the vast vicissitudes of this glorious golden day.
-Bruce Potts
Copyright 2024
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
