the snail is very odd and slow
he has his mind made up to go
the longest way to anywhere
and will not let you steer him there
today i met one in the grass
and hadn't time to watch him pass
but coming back at sunset, i
discovered him still traveling by
the grass-blades grew so thick and tall
i asked him why he climbed them all
and told him i had sometimes found
the shortest way was going round
he was not easy to persuade
to judge by any sign he made
and when i lectured him some more
went in his house and shut the door
g.h. conkling
