Snailed

Tonight we got snailed.

The front step was streaked with straining necks and elongate antennae
stretching forward in slow motion frenzy.

One by one we plucked them up and one by one they lost their nerve,
shrinking back inside their shells.

We tossed them on the lawn.
They rolled and bounced in bald indignity.

Remembering their eager sprint across the steps,
the straining, streamlined pleasure as they flew,
I wished I could have left just one
to skip and dance as only snails can do.

(c) A McN