Painted Turtle

I saw a painted turtle on the pavement dry and warm

My car he did go under, but he did not come to harm.

I picked him up to move him and he jerked with sudden fright

Head and feet tucked in his shell, his eyes blinked at the light

When returned to safety by the pond, he sat a minute waiting

Then quickly scrambled to the edge, the algal water tasting

Straight into the pond he goes, his movements without falter

And soon the only thing I see, his nose above the water.

Back in nature’s camouflage, aquatic plants surrounding

Swimming with ease, I marvel , his resilience astounding.

Sherri Grant