The Snail, the Chicken, and the Toad
NaPoWriMo April 9: “…write a poem in the voice of an animal or plant, or a poem that describes a specific animal or plant with references to historical events or scientific facts.
Yesterday, I went deep. Today, not so much….
Historical event: A chicken crossed a road.
Scientific fact: A snail’s trail is a slippery secretion produced by glands in its foot.
Voice of animal: Snail
The Snail, the Chicken, and the Toad
You know how it went—that historical event
when Chicken crossed the road. But did you know
she wasn’t alone? Snail and Toad were waiting
on the other side, in awe and admiration.
From that point on, the three of them bore witness
to countless ambulations to that same destination—
though it proved, sadly, to be an aberration
for a friend or two.
So, when Toad chose to have a go, Snail said (slowly),
“No-o, please do-on’t, but if you really are gung-ho-o,
let me show you where to cross that black plateau-eau.”
Across the wide tarmac, Snail began his slide,
leaving clear and shiny tracks to serve as Toad’s guide—
only to collide with Mikey on his bike.
As for the horror and for the gore, I shall spare you
and, since less is more, conclude with the haiku
Toad posted on the other side of the road:
Snail raced to trace marks
where Chicken once crossed the road.
Brave—but for his pace…
