Remembering the Snails

At this time of year,
please remember the Snails.
In the summer, they pick their way
through your prize vegetables,
and the Marrow that could have made you famous,
contains more holes than an Eastender’s plot line.
They drink your beer,
and like the Wasp,
will be easily tempted into a jam packed jar.

Then in late summer, they are an easy feast,
for a mini-beast wanting to hibernate,
and then when the Snail realises what is happening,
it is much too late.
They will sit in your garden, as frost devours it,
with all of their creature comforts,
and reminisce about their friends and family
who experimented too much with their own folly.
And those that survive the frost,
will fall prey to the salt
that we put out to get rid of the snow.

So, the next time you curse the Snail for eating your
Marrow,
and nibbling on your cabbage,
remember it is just their habit,
don’t let your anger ferment,
for their biggest enemy is a simple condiment,