The Turtle

Editorial Introduction. — This section is devoted to poetry involving turtles, representing either reprinted previously published or new unpublished material. We encourage our readers to submit poetry or songs for consideration, either their own material or work by other authors. Poems may be submitted to Anders G.J. Rhodin, Chelonian Research Foundation, E-mail: RhodinCRF@aol.com.

Our desire is to share with our readers the beauty and wonder of turtles as expressed through the art of the poem or song. In the sense that the relationship between man and turtles is multifaceted, so too is turtle poetry. The poems we publish here will reflect that complexity, from poems of pure admiration for the creatures themselves to others reflecting the utilization of turtles and their products. Some poems will reflect man's use of the turtle for sustenance, others will stress man's need to preserve and protect turtles. Some will deal with our emotional interactions with turtles, others will treat turtles light-heartedly or with seeming disrespect, but all will hopefully help us to better understand both the human and the chelonian condition, and remind us that the turtle holds a sacred place in all our hearts.

The Turtle ¹

Ogden Nash

The turtle lives 'twixt plated decks

Which practically conceal its sex.

I think it clever of the turtle

In such a fix to be so fertile.

The Tortoise ²

Ogden Nash

Come crown my brows with leaves of myrtle;

I know the tortoise is a turtle.

Come carve my name in stone immortal;

I know the turtoise is a tortle;

I know to my profound despair;

I bet on one to beat a hare.

I also know I'm now a pauper

Because of its tortley turtley torpor.

Editorial Comment. — These classic and famous humerous turtle poems by Ogden Nash [1902–1971] have always been among my favorites. The first one about the difficulties inherent in turtle reproduction is probably the most widely-known and iconic turtle poem of all time. We reprint these poems here in order to celebrate and promote their light-hearted genius and to inject some welcome levity into a world becoming increasingly fraught with cultural conflict, extremist terrorism, and destructive intolerance. We advocate belief in and adherence to the guiding principles of tolerance, respect, and understanding of all human cultures, peoples, religions and values, as well as the over-arching need to steward and protect our planet's animal and plant biodiversity and global climate. Unfortunately, the world is increasingly subject to the hateful attacks and misguided violence of those who practice intolerance, disrespect, and lack of understanding of other cultures, religions and values. Let us instead espouse the benefits of trying to understand and respect each other and our different cultures and values, as well as our environment, lest we destroy one another and the planet that sustains us.

Poems submitted by Anders G.J. Rhodin.