Below is a follow up to two poems of mine that were published in last summer's edition of The Quinnehtukqut. Those poems were my reaction to seeing the egg-laden carcass of a large old snapping turtle that had been run over on a road near my home. 

 

Shortly after, I contacted my town officials to see if they would be willing to install wildlife crossing signs on the road. It is a lightly traveled section that is adjacent to a pond and stream. On my daily walks I have seen numerous turtle remains. This is especially prevalent in the spring when turtles are seeking a roadside spot to deposit their eggs. In addition, almost daily I see other animal remains, including toads, frogs, snakes, salamanders, newts and small rodents. Wildlife is abundant in this area due its proximity to the wetlands. 

 

The wonderful folks in town were quick to respond. "Slow Wildlife Crossing" signs were erected last fall on both sides of the road some distance before the pond. I am hopeful that the signs will reduce the number of animals killed on this lovely section of road. Drivers just might slow their vehicles and be more aware of the wildlife in the area.

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

See the sign

Creatures like to pass this way, so

Take your time

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

In the Spring

Roads pose dire challenges for

Living things

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Please go slow

Turtles are not fast or fleet, now

Don’t you know?

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Rainy day

Showers give them reasons to be

On their way

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Watch the road

Sad to walk past squished up snakes and

Newts and toads

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Nesting time

Find a place to lay their eggs is

On their mind

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Big and small

If you slow and really look you’ll

See them all

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Give them space

Slow and steady, life is really

Not a race

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Pass it on

Young and old and in between, a

Caring bond

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Why not now?

Finding peace in nature, she will

Show you how

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Do you care?

Be the one who loves all things, yes

If you dare

 

Turtle Crossing

Turtle Crossing

Heed the sign

Simple way to help each day and

Let it shine

 

What better gift to give yourself:

Peace of mind

​

Vince Jennetta is a Sierra Club member.