24 - trinity

By Gary M. Stolz/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Macrochelys
           temminckii
           apalachicolae
           suwanniensis
13 million years diverged

cracks of southern
geography form
churches steepled with
rocks and riverbanks

this is the holy mystery

a triptych built
of shell, beak, and bone

----
[If you haven't heard the news, a few days ago National Geographic (and many other outlets) reported on a study that reveals that the alligator snapping turtle is actually three species, each geographically-based. While this discovery does have some sad implications that highlight the importance of protecting these creatures, it is nonetheless exciting. Three turtles! Regarding the 13 million years date, there are a range of dates for the species' divergence; for artistic purposes (hey, I'm allowed), I've gone with the oldest date (which is technically 13.4, but that didn't fit the line as well).]

11 - ugly girl

a face which
only a mother could love

---------ugly girl
made of stones
Mississippi
statue

daughter
of the flood

How many men
have found you on
the river bottom,
have taken your body
and turned it
upside down

how many
have made you
their bride

like Ophelia,
shuddering
as she drowned



(Image of this lovely snapper: unknown. But the turtle is awesome.)