Too often I find myself
Roaming the aisles
Of my local pet store.

I watch the turtles
In their ten-gallon universe,
Swimming and basking.

But today,
The yellow shells and red eyes
Spoke to me.

“Why do you come to see us?”
The turtles asked.
“We know you won’t take us home.
You just take what you
Need from us, and leave.”

“I don’t know”
I replied.
“Sometimes I wish
I was the turtle.”

“Why?”
They say.
“We won’t be here next week.
But you will.”