Balboa

Photo © 2023 Jennifer Wagner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rescued from the pool filter,

Balboa had a scratch

on the house on his back.

 

We set him in the garden

between two rosemary shrubs

(Romero in Spanish, like my son’s name,

 

who said, keep him, Mom,

and let him be a burden to your

children’s children).

 

While we searched for what to do,

I thought we’d lost him

to heat, to bird—but there,

stamping the grass,

 

the champ!

A late-round come back!

And between my index and thumb

 

we rushed him

to the pond.

Two large turtles

 

rose to the surface

poking their heads out.

I said, we rescued your baby!

 

And hoped

someone

will do the same.

 

 

© 2023 Jennifer Wagner