Jon W. Sparks
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Turtle Express

[Why did the turtle cross the road? From April through June, turtles cross busy Riverport Road in T.O. Fuller State Park to lay eggs. To cut down on traffic casualties and better monitor turtle activity, park manager Markee Tate has asked volunteers to join the Turtle Patrol and carry reptiles across the highway.] 

The turtle lives 'twixt plated decks 
Which practically conceal its sex. 
I think it clever of the turtle 
In such a fix to be so fertile. 
--Ogden Nash 

------------------------ 

It's odd to be enshrined in verse 
But Memphis turtles have it worse 
Than being in ol' Ogden's rhyme -- 
They sometimes just run out of time. 

It happens at a nice state park 
Where pregnant turtles do embark 
To find the finest place around 
And lay their eggs on higher ground. 

But Fuller Park (that's the facility 
Where turtles work up such fertility) 
Has a busy four-lane road 
Where semis pull a massive load. 

And when those turtles try to cross 
Some end up little more than sauce. 
So Markee Tate, who runs the place 
Asked volunteers to take the case. 

From April through the end of June 
Those turtles have a kind platoon 
Of humans who will gladly carry 
Reptiles on a birthing ferry. 

Jan Castillo's one of several 
Who bike the road - and at some peril 
From traffic, yes, but often 'cause
Some turtles love to use their jaws. 

Jan said one skating volunteer 
Was chased -- though she was quite sincere -- 
By a snapper feeling hinky 
Hoping to take home a pinky. 

Ronnie Douglas, a park ranger, 
Says there's even further danger 
In the form of salmonella 
Common to the wetlands dwella. 

But the park is taking care 
To offer stylish turtle-wear. 
So gloves are offered the civilian 
Who does enjoy all things reptilian. 

Truckers driving Riverport Road 
Also hail the noble code: 
Jan said one stopped on his way through 
Saying: "I've got three turtles for you." 

Red-eared slider, river cooter 
Some are ugly, some are cuter. 
But these turtles, not too swift 
Still can get a helpful lift. 


The Commercial Appeal, Thursday, June 23, 2005

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