Reptilian Snack

The sun's peeking out
Shining on this northern land
Melting all the visible ice
Yet leaving some of it be

The warmth permeating
Layer by layer
Warming a woodchuck's heart
And that of his slayer

Immobile
This heat sucking engine
Lays still as can be
Things growing on his back
Whatever can it be

Looking much like the turtle of legend
With the world upon his back
He is a papa turtle snapper
Mercy is the only thing he does lack

Woodchuck digs intently
Looking for things he hid
On the banks of the pond out back
In little holes stuffed with nuts and seeds
Everything a growing woodchuck needs

Closer he wanders
Still does the turtle wait
Half out of the water
Shell large as a turkey platter plate

Woodchuck finds a spot worth digging
Turning his back to the pond
In a motion belying it's size
The turtle whips forward
Shucking his harmless mound guise

Almost in slow motion
The woodchuck detects the danger
Jumping up a few inches
Turning in midair with a sense of dread
Just in time to see the jaws
About to close upon his head

All the excitement done now
The snapping turtle drags it's prey
Back to the murky pond
Feet digging at the clay