Snail's Pace

Who'd have thunk there were snails in Arizona?

Well, not here on the mountain

But my former home in Prescott had 'em everywhere

The rains brought them out by the dozens

From beneath the trailing vines that bordered the yard

For critters that have a reputation for being S  L  O  W

They sure had a way of appearing out of no where

After a refreshing summer monsoon rain

And instantly vanishing as temps climbed

And puddles evaporated

Minding their own business

Sneaking out 

quietly

peacefully

silently

To bask in the outside world

For a moment

Their moment

Risking their lives

Easy prey for 

Birds

Skunks

Curious Cats

Mischievous Dogs

And the such...

Defenseless

No speedy getaway

Poisonous sting

Lethal bite

Just pure faith

And the Knowing 

That a Moment for Self

Is worth the risk

Better to risk death

For a taste of glorious freedom

Than be paralyzed forever

In the darkness of captive fear

Snails..

Who'd have thunk??