Gift of the Present
By Jing H
Published 19 September 2013
The turtle rests, snug in my palm,
A sun baked shell in a seaside pool,
Reflecting on the mysterious sky,
Tranquil in the waters cool.
A fleeting thought, whispered weight,
Brown-wing budgie, a laughing turtle
dove, chuckling, cocked its head
at me, and life, defying fate.
Gift of the present from a companion,
And though silent to the end,
It watches, counsels, listens, laughs,
Lingering presence of a long lost friend.
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This poem was highly commended for Poetry Object 2013
Judge's notes:
This poem surprised me with its use of meter, its enjambment that emphasised the link between turtles and turtle doves, and its skilful assonance, consonance, and alliteration.
~ Rachael Briggs, Judge, Poetry Object 2013
![jing.jpg](https://redroom-wagtail-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/dd/images/632f8a6808ec6e6969014cffa8e32f29.jpg)