Obscurity

Turtle retracts his head
into his shell,
... sinks dreamily
into his terrapin shield.

Dreams beneath current above
rests on pond's peat floor
... buoyant in thoughts
too ambiguous to explore

Secure in humble station
Not readily noticed or seen
inconspicuous reputation
... hidden, secret, concealed.

There is a place for obscurity,
lying on the pond floor,
when you think you've got it
the turtle shuts the door.



Patrick Darnell (2000)