A Turtle Show

Down in the pond, where willows grow 
Along the shore in a golden row, 
     Is a single rock with its mossy ridge, 
And a log as mossy, resting there 
Half in the water, and half in the air, 
     From shore to islet a beautiful bridge;
And the lily-pads on either side
Might tempt the little green frogs to ride;
And the lily-blooms, so purely made, 
Do tempt the little white feet to wade.

What do you think I saw one day
In the month of June, as I passed that way?
Five little turtles, all in a row,
On the top of the log, — a funny show, — 
For they carried their houses on their backs, 
And tucked their toes out through the cracks 
Under the eaves! while their heads and tails 
Played hide-and-seek behind the scales.

They had golden dots on every shell;
And they stood so still, and "dressed" so well, 
You might think they were called up to spell;
And a "master" turtle, big and brown, 
On the top of the rock sat looking down

In a learned way, as you might say 
To "put out words," — and perhaps 'twas so, 
Though I heard no word, - but this, I know, 
The five little heads looked so very wise 
With their little bead eyes, they must have heard 
If ever the master pronounced a word.

In school or not, it was getting hot;
And by and by, as the sun rose high, 
With the June-like drowsiness it sheds, 
They could not keep from going to sleep;
And what do you think they did with their heads?
Swallowed them! Oh, then, laugh, if you will ;
But true it is, still:
Into their necks, as a sailor would slide 
His spy-glass into its leathern hide, 
They slid their five little heads away 
From the sight of man and the light of day.

While I stood watching them, still as a mouse, 
Pleased at their comical way to keep house, 
   I heard a terrible splash and croak,
As a great bull-frog leapt up on the log, 
   In a way to frighten such simple folk.
Five little turtles, quick as a wink, 
Into the water slip and sink;
And one big turtle, just as quick,
Off from the log goes down like a brick.

Ah, well! my turtles are not like boys, 
They can live in the pond, and they do hate noise!