a turtle laying eggs

there's a box turtle

in the yard

laying eggs.

i go out and speak to her.

is this a good idea?

i ask.

laying eggs

in my yard.

there's snakes, 

hawks

flying in from out

of state.

raccoons and foxes.

you really should

find a safer

place.

no reply, she just goes

back into her

shell

and gives me the cold

shoulder,

the silent treatment.

women.