Lounging
train-like
on the rocks,
they rest in silence.

The first,
eyes open. Alert.
Head, on fully extended neck, 
follows sounds
in steady, slow-motion.

The second,
eyes closed — head,
on outstretched neck, placed
on the back of the first —
but, not dreaming;
 
a momentary surrender
to the afternoon sun
at the edge of the pond:

where hawks hover,
geese gather
and ducks squawk and squabble.
And, adults pass by

and children run through
and no one notices
the turtles' peace

on the rocks,
among the rushes.

 

© by Jana Kalina.
Used here with the author’s permission.