This isn’t about spotting him
in the middle of the road or
maneuvering to miss him or even
about backing up getting out
lifting him an Eastern
box turtle his domed shell
daubed with extravagant yellow
and setting him down
in the foxtail and honeysuckle
well beyond the berm
but the guy in the battered truck
with the flag across the grille
behind me waiting
and watching then rolling up
beside me slowly lowering
the smoked passenger window
leaning toward me
and saying thank you