natures armor

I ran over this turtle. Not with my car, but with my foot.

At first I thought he was a pecan and didn't stop. But I knew

in my gut it wasn't a pecan, so I ran back to take a look.

He was very still, but looked perfect. Internal injuries? Maybe.

Traumatized at the very least. I picked him up and finished my run.

He didn't move for an hour or more, then finally poked his little

head out to say hello.

Was his life spared because I'm so light on my feet? Not likely.

Although I'm sure it helped that my running pace

is less hare, more tortoise.

It had to be his amazing (and beautifully designed!) suit of armor.

His name is Milton. We'll stare at him for a few days before

he moves down the street to our neighbors lush tropical pond.

Photos by Sophie