professional gastropod
the slug won
the half-marathon
by a hair’s breadth.
his muscles pumped
like pistons, as
he escaped each
hoe and boot heel.
nearing the finish line
amidst a cacophony
of cheering, he slid
the final mile on a
trail of his own slime,
finally landing
on a large, fully ripe
tomato. everyone
loves a winner, but
the slug is smart enough
to remain modest.
and the best part
is that he gets
to do it all again,
tomorrow.
This provides a great word picture for me. I used to do battle with snails and slugs in my garden in the Midwest. Then I thought of how that picture applies as a metaphor to my writing! Thank you for this timely poem!
Thanks! I utilized the prompt that suggested a poem based on an animal’s traits that are opposite of what they’re normally known for. Since slugs are–well, sluggish–I thought it would be fun to write a poem about a speedy one.
I love how you used this hour’s prompt, but also the nods to the half-marathon. I feel like I slid in on my own ‘slime’ but the prize (a tomato, of sorts) was worth it – thank you for making me smile!