Once Upon a Time

Today’s Poetic Asides prompt was to write a poem that tells a story. What could be better? I love telling stories and I love writing poetry, so when I get to combine them, it’s a real treat. And what better topic than banana slugs, that are out in full force.

It’s springtime in Portland, even if sometimes the weather can’t quite make up its mind. Last week there were snow flurries up on Pill Hill. Today is sunny (if still a bit cool). But the flowering cherries are in bloom, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths abound, and the heather and candytuft in our yard are blooming.

Close Encounters

Once upon a time
in an old-growth forest dark and damp
there dwelt a banana slug.
One day as he inched his way
across a well-worn path
in search of water
he narrowly avoided being stepped on
by a pair of hikers
deeply engrossed in conversation.
Unperturbed, he continued on.