My turtle died the other day;

At first, I didn't know.

She looked the same as always

Except for a certain "glow."

I removed her from her home

And placed her in my hand;

I looked for any sign of life

But like a pebble on the sand...

She didn't make a move at all;

Alas, I knew inside,

My turtle was no longer here

And so I sat and cried.

Did I feed her too much food?

Or not enough? I asked.

I didn't understand her death

It happened much too fast.

I really had no warning

Or did I miss a clue?

Or did some stranger in the night

Come take her life, but who?

Was she sick and I not see

The clues she tried to give?

Or did some phantom in the night

Come steal her will to live.

When all the questioning had past

And denials ceased to be,

I rendered thanks for the joy

Though brief, she gave to me.

My turtle died the other day

And yes, I miss her so.

But, I've slowly learned the secret of

Holding on while letting go.