the turtle waits
on river rock
under a moaning sun

he waits for love
in a shell
that feels
that holds a heart
that protects
bones.

he waits for hope
as the minnows school past
shimmer in the noonlight
flow from there to anywhere

he waits for God
without a smile
or faith
or even a dream

when the moon arrives
and laughs at him
the stars said, don’t be cruel
turtles don’t dream

the turtle slipped
into the cool black water
then in silence
eyes open
he dreamt of nothing.