Creeping, at sunset, from your secret hiding place

seen only by the dark adapted eyes of passing cats,

sliding forth you leave behind a fairy trail,

a sliver of silver gleaming in moonlight.

Moving through rain washed shadows,

finding fragrant flowers planted for my pleasure

you consume them, casually, at your leisure.

Greedy gastropod, you deserve extermination!

Yet I discard my trowel and study you,

most successful growing thing in my garden.

Creeping, at sunset, to find your secret hiding place,

spying on your slow androgynous mating,

watching the birth of your horned offspring -

marvelling at their fragile, spiral shells -

perhaps, moist mollusc, I shall learn to love you,

most uncommon, common snail.