This may be a poem, or just a thumbnail essay of admiration for the quieter life


on fortitude

slow and not the sharpest bulb planted
make-up pad circumference
with sprawling back legs
our tortoise

leading life in the somnolent lane
enjoying his digs
in sand and under a piece of tissue
adores strawberries

watching him decide
to go after something
is a quiet lesson
in fortitude

legs tucked under, moving fast
given his worldly shape
hydraulic power when so choosing
obsidian calm eyes

no mountain too daunting
no obstacle course feared
and never stops
and never gives in

we're too wracked with minds
with choices fears and all whatifs
to know quiet contentment
and singleminded fortitude



Poetry by Katarina Wikholm
Read 800 times
Written on 2016-07-29 at 12:58

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Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
Well done, Katarina. How you wrote it sounds better, but I couldn't help thinking at the end that "quiet contentment" comes from "singleminded fortitude."
2016-07-29


Deeps
A lesson to remember
To know quiet contentment
and singleminded fortitude

Love these words
Beautiful poem.
2016-07-29


Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
This brought me back to my childhood and a tortoise that wandered into our home, I would spend hours watching and feeding him - a lovely perspective and poem

Elle x
2016-07-29


Kathy Lockhart
Whatever it is, it is beauty, simplicity, and nature. I love your ability to capture, paint word pictures, and draw up emotions with your writing. I applaud you. Kathy
2016-07-29


Bibek The PoetBay support member heart!
Oh, how well you depict and praise the fortitude of the quiet, content and single-minded tortoise. So so good.
2016-07-29