My Matilda

by james castle
(denver, colorado)

My friend that worked at a video store moved to another state and left his belongings at my house. About three days later I heard a noise in the back of the boxes he left. There was a clear container and a little Russian Tortoise shuffling around inside. Since them, I have become quite fond of the Tortoise, named her Matilda. I give her free run in my room, have little turtle crossing signs... She has become a true Joy. She finds me when she's hungry, and likes to roll around the room in her big coffee can. She pushes a little super ball around the floor, too. She goes to sleep at my feet when I work on the computer. My Matilda, a friend for life.