Ode to a Tortoise

Crawling down the trail slow,
Always with your shell you go.

Not concerned with speed or grace,
Keeping just a steady pace.

And your funny knees and feet
Serve you well in rain or heat.

All alone inside your shell –
Safe, protected very well.

Only if your shell they crack
Do you fear a foe’s attack.

Some would say you wear a frown.
Helpless when you’re upside down.

Slow to act, but quick to rage –
Living to a ripe, old age.

Devious and clever too –
No one plays a trick on you.

Watching others hurry by
On the ground and in the sky.

‘Though you seem a little stern,
Sometimes for adventure yearn.

Meek, and shy, and quite polite –
For a creature, fairly bright.

With your firm resolve and pride,
Teasing you will not abide.

Competitor, through and through -
Striving hard at all you do.

Shouting out with joy and glee,
When from worries you are free.

Not weighed down with care and strife,
Mostly just content with life.

By yourself, no need to roam –
Happy just to stay at home