Tuesday, November 19, 2013

"Aldabra"


Aldabra

You lumber gracefully
on toes prehistoric

inquisitive nose upturned,
eyes inches from mine -

don't look at me,
look into me -

and I nearly drown
in two ebony pools -

time suspended.

by Margaret Bednar, November 19, 2013



The past few days we have been entertaining and visiting with the Grandparents.  Monday we visited the Science Center and I had no idea this wonderful aquarium/small zoo was ten minutes from my home!  I always go to the larger zoo 45 minutes away.



This Aldabra (giant tortoise) was very active and swung his great head my way and walked and climbed up the log with his front legs and peered into my eyes -  his nose almost touched my iPhone.  I bent down and looked right into his beautiful eyes… what a "jolt" of sensation!

Linked with "dVerse Open Link Night #123"

18 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

wonderful, margaret.

Helen said...

... and your poem reflects the emotion you felt! Brava, Margaret.

Maude Lynn said...

Fabulous, Margaret! I just love those guys. They always strike me as being incredibly wise.

Brian Miller said...

nice...those old turtles..you gotta wonder what all life they have seen...what dark eyes as well...very nice piece m...

Anonymous said...

love turtles. hate that they get tossed into soup, though I suspect these ole fellers might be a bit tough. my sons have a pair, one a taciturn box turtle, the other a red-eared slider that likes to have some personal connection through the glass. ~

Ginny Brannan said...

What a beautiful creature. Love the patterns on its shell. Curious the age? Nicely captured Margaret, both in images and words.

Laura said...

That is one awesome tortoise! Have you ever read the book "Old Turtle" ? It is one of my favorite children's books of all time and this tortoise makes me think of the main character in the story… very wise eyes.

Kathryn Dyche said...

Those moments when we connect with an animal are truly special.

Mary said...

What a wonderful moment that must have been to be able to connect with a turtle like that. Your poem awes me.

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous poem, it's lovely when you get to connect with nature in such a way.

Claudia said...

oh wow... what a magical moment...wonderful to look into the eyes of such an old and wise creatures...i bet she told you a bit of her story as well.. smiles

Susan said...

Wow! Great shots and good lines, letting the turtle wow me too!

kaykuala said...

It's sensational Marge! They are supposed to be retaining their prehistoric characteristics in this modern age!Slow as they might! Great!

Hank

Jennifer Wagner said...

Sounds like a neat experience you have captured in your poem. Enjoyable read! Love those photos!

brudberg said...

Love the eyes of the tortoise.. beautiful and wise.. they speak of a long life and they almost look sad don't they?

Anonymous said...

Fabulous photos Margaret. Looking into those eyes, you don't just see the life of one tortoise - you get a glimpse into prehistory.

Anonymous said...

This reminds me of the song WHEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES... if only we understood the language of Eyes!

Ginnie Hart said...

I've never seen a tortoise move that fast in my life, Margaret. YOU must have been the sensation! :)