Salamander

Salamander

The children running through the field
Didn't see me hiding in the leaf litter underfoot,
So a boy witha tattered shoelace trod on my tail
And it feels
    a little
kinked now.
I sought out the solace and safety of stone, but
The lovely damp chill beneath a worn cobble
Was concussed by a clatter, a snare drum, a clack
As more stones bombarded those above me
So loud I
    can hardly
think now.
I wriggle and worm and burrow beneath a slab
And remind myself that it is only Spring
And when the children are done picking rocks
This will again be my fortress, not just their rock pile.