On Tuesday I took my walk after a heavy morning shower. On a section of the pathway beside the creek I saw snail after snail. There must have been 10 or more! I bet I know why they were out there.
In case you can’t read the fancy font:
Sock Hop
The downpour drumbeats on the whorls of rooftop
irresistible call to a rain dance sock hop
V. Nesdoly (all rights reserved)
****************
Snail Facts
For those more interested in facts than whimsy, here are a few snail facts (from Snail-world.com and About.com):
- The trail of mucous a snail leaves behind is a lubricant to reduce friction against the surfaces over which it travels. Snail mucous won’t make you sick.
- A snail moves about 50 yards per hour or 1.3 cm. per second—slowly but steadily.
- Snails can see and sense sound vibrations. Upper tentacles are the eyes, the lower ones pick up vibrations.
- Snails are hermaphrodites, that is, they have both male and female parts. But they must mate with another snail to reproduce (lay eggs).
- A snail’s lifespan (dependent on habitat and species) varies from 5 to even 25 years.
- Snails are usually nocturnal and if they’re out during the day, don’t like bright sunshine (which is probably why they were out dancing on our cloudy Tuesday morning).
This post is part of Poetry Friday, hosted this week by the effervescent Catherine at Catherine Johnson.
Violet Nesdoly 
Love your couplet, Violet – and oh, my gosh, what I didn’t know about snails! A 25-year-old snail? Amazing. And half a football field in an hour – I never would have guessed they were that fast. Thanks for both poem and fascinating facts.
LikeLike
Your pictures and your imaginary sock hop are great. I even enjoyed the little known fats about snails. I wish it was a school day so I’d have students to share this with.
LikeLike
Oh, a slime fest! Cute poem and enjoyed the snaily info. 🙂
LikeLike
Gosh I’d feel guilty standing on a 25 yr old snail. Cute poem and thanks!
LikeLike
Looking sharp for the sock hop!
LikeLike
I remember watching snails for long periods as a child… I still find them a little magical, carting their lovely homes all around and leaving trails. Never would have thought of a snail sock hop – thanks for the fun imagery!
LikeLike
This is just adorable, Violet! I love the image of a snail sock hop, and your poem is fabulous!
LikeLike
I like the way you found inspiration in this small moment. Very nice.
LikeLike
This is a veritable work of art Violet – love your collage of photos with the poem. 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Science & Faith Matters and commented:
Fantastic post by Violet Nesdoly on snails!
LikeLike
Sounds like my kind of party! I’m traveling this month and am only getting to the PF links today– glad to find this waiting for me, Violet.
LikeLike