Snail Poem by Michelle Claus

Across the damp, pebbled sidewalk
snail plods his odyssey.
From sod to sod he aims to trek,
the sprawling pavement
he must cross.

Recoils a bit – just in case -
for kids are quick to flick him
dogs are bent to sniff him
feet are swift above him
nearly squashing.

Charges forward
dodging strollers
bikes and roller blades
skateboards, scooters
constant threat.

Trudges yet
quietly.

The stony walkway dries and bakes
beneath the afternoon sun.

Muscles on
single foot
arriving at the dirt
his shell a tale of dents and victory
his epilogue a silvery ellipsis

(Copyright Michelle Claus 2015)
(Photo courtesy of Martin Weiss)