Turtle was taking its time to cross the road. It appeared as if Turtle had emerged from beneath the earth and had a long journey to undertake. Turtle had a guardian watching over it as it was making its methodical crossing. A vulture sitting on a mailbox. A woman appeared, lay on the ground before it, and with a round magic glass, impressed its image. The woman then transported Turtle to the other side… of the road. They gave each other their blessings and continued on their own journeys.
Wikipedia on the turtle states:
Turtles are reptiles of the Order Testudines (all living turtles belong to the crown group Chelonia), most of whose body is shielded by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs. The Order Testudines includes both extant (living) and extinct species. The earliest known turtles date from 215 million years ago,[1] making turtles one of the oldest reptile groups and a more ancient group than lizards and snakes. About 300 species are alive today, and some are highly endangered.
Copyright © 2008 by Anna Surface. All Rights Reserved.
Preston Surface
6 Comments
Turtle was very lucky that the woman appeared and helped Turtle to the other side of the road.
Beautiful photo.
Thanks for helping this old turtle across the road! The picture taken is wonderful and expressive. As you look into the turtle’s eyes it hard not to imagine what changes these eyes have seen in the 30, 40 even 50 years or more it’s been alive. How the landscape has changed…for the worse if you are a box turtle. It’s seen the production of new turtle-killing machines, and may be wondering where all the food has dissapeared.
Kansas’ state reptile is the ornate box turtle, yet as of 2008 the state still allows people to capture them and place them in turtle races. Racing is not something a turtle wants to be doing, so why are Kansans still allowing turtle races to continue? Just so a few people can call themselves winners and collect money and prizes?
This wonderful shot makes me wonder what was going through the turtle’s ancient mind as you lay down in front of him to take his portrait.
Some lucky turtle… cool photo.
I’ve always loved turtles and reptiles. When I was a child, I’d pick up turtles to look at them then I’d set them safely free. One time, as a child, I had picked up a turtle and showed it to my Uncle Bob. He squinted his eye at me as the turtle snaked its head around my little hand. He said, “That is a snapping turtle. If it bites you, it won’t let go until lightning strikes.” I cheekily smiled and skipped off with the turtle. And as a grown woman… LOL… even getting to that old woman… I stop to pick up turtles from the road to safely carry them to the other side.
Thanks Robin, for your comment and stopping by.
Hi Tess. Thank you so much for your comment and stopping by. I didn’t know about the turtle races here. A shame. Yes, this old turtle has seen some years. I’m amazed how turtles here can grow so old. I’ve seen huge turtles at the creeks. I ‘rescue’ as many as I can find… even among swerving cars.
Hi Danton. I wondered, too, what the old turtle was thinking while I was right in front of it. I loved its face. Thanks for your comment and stopping by.
Hi Bo. We posted at the same time. Thanks for your comment and stopping by.
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