POETRY REVIEW D H LAWRENCE BABY TORTOISE

During his travels in the Americas in the 1920’s, a family of wild tortoises he observed for some time fascinated Lawrence. His six poetic features on them show Lawrence as a wildlife enthusiast comparable to Darwin and David Attenborough.

The sextet begins with this study of a tortoise from its first uneasy steps upon breaking free from its shell to make his way in the big frightening World beyond.

Lawrence sees the tortoise virtually abandoned. His mother does not guard the shell, or witness the birth. He is left to discover life and its f=dangers entirely by himself.

Lawrence describes him as a heavily armed mighty warrior despite being smaller than the author’s thumb. His shell is his shield.

The tortoise quickly snaps up his first passing insect and moves on, a tiny irrepressible, determined, unstoppable mass. He is alone but with no concept of being lonely. Lawrence, feeling very alone in he World, clearly envied him.

Arthur Chappell