Page:Tortoises, DH Lawrence, 1921.djvu/15

 Rh Opening your impervious mouth, Suddenly beak-shaped, and very wide, like some suddenly gaping pincers; Soft red tongue, and hard thin gums, Then close the wedge of your little mountain front, Your face, baby tortoise.

Do you wonder at the world, as slowly you turn your head in its wimple And look with laconic, black eyes? Or is sleep coming over you again, The non-life?

You are so hard to wake.

Are you able to wonder? Or is it just your indomitable will and pride of    the first life Looking round And slowly pitching itself against the inertia Which had seemed invincible?

The vast inanimate, And the fine brilliance of your so tiny eye, Challenger.

Rh