Turtles in a Tank

For those days when you feel trapped.

I have two turtles in a tank
I wonder what they see.
Outside of their tiny aquatic world
Everything moves fast.
I watch them, every day.
Back and forth, Back and forth 
Do they see me?
Heads above water to catch a breath.

I sit at my desk, windows on two sides.
Outside the world moves fast.
I see you every day.
Freedom beyond the glass.

Reviews

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Well, this is an unexpected treat! I was not sure what I expected, but I am lost in thoughts about this...that is actually a very good review - probably better than if I ramble and type all that this poem conjures up. What a wonderful choice of subject...the comparison can take the thoughts on a very long road. Thank you!

[James]

Well, I felt like I was swimming in a bowl that day. I'm glad it set your mind to wandering.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I have lingered long with your work today. It was wonderful. Difficult to tear myself away, but I just must...maybe just one more...

[James]

I don't quite know hat to say. Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it. I enjoy yours as well and can't wait to read more.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Turtles in a Tank
James,
On the one hand creatures simply living a simple existence and you-I-others maybe not so much. It's interesting as I read this and felt my own response it was as if they will go hide. They want to be safe, to be sheltered. Do we? Is humanity meant to live with no choices? We need some friction, some challenges. Really wonderful ideas came forth from this little piece. I guess that to satisfied with what one has is what I felt in reading your cute turtle story.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Shabeeh Haider]

what a contrast. You sit and watch the turtles in their tank. They move free of care and seem to have all the time in the world. Outside the window, you see people rushing to their work, to their schools and whatever they do for a living. It is a fast world outside but they are all preoccupied. Do they have the time and leisure that these turtles seem to enjoy?
You sit at your desk and wonder...... and so do I.......
WHO IS TRULY FREE?

[James]

Exactly, who is truly free? Thanks for your review.

[...]

I pick this because I love turtles. Turtles in a tank...Ya, That's kind of how I feel sometimes. But, they are so much safer there...
I enjoyed reading this poetic simulation, James :)

[James]

Thank you Lynn, sometimes I feel like those two turtles and i wonder what it's like on the other side.

[barleygirl]

I like your subtle comparison between the turtles & yourself. Since I'm mostly housebound due to disability, I know the feeling well. I'm not sure if I agree that there's freedom beyond the glass anymore, though. I've learned a new kind of freedom in simplicity. We can be equally bound up or worse, out in the tangled world *smile* The best part of your poem are the details . . . "heads above water to catch a breath" . . . I can see everything.

[James]

Sometimes we are all stuck in our own little tank. Somedays I have to close my blinds to get any work done.

It's funny, sometimes I will take them out to see what they will do, always they go find a dark corner and hide. I wonder what I would do if I were to climb out of my office window (first floor).

I think you have found the secret, "freedom in simplicity".

Thank you for stopping by, I always look forward to it.

[barleygirl]

My bunnies are the same way. They will hide, if let loose from their pen. Or sometimes they won't even leave their pen, even if they can. I guess we all get used to our cage! *smile*

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i guess they do mirror us a bit...the world outside...interesting this is for me...i also have two in a tank, they are box turtles...saved them from the road..they are very small, but they generally seem to be fine with life inside the tank...getting food and water without scavenging...

i talk to them...but they don't talk back...maybe the outside world scares them.

they may feel that i am the one trapped.

[James]

That's funny you talk to them, I talk to mine as well. Sometimes we feel like we are trapped in a tank, pushing against the glass, but it won't break. Maybe tomorrow we can break free.