[Barbara Baig]

Hi Marshall,
I like this a lot: such clever and concise use of language. The first line, and its variations, deftly conjure up the kind of person who just can't bear to drive behind another car. (I like this perspective on him, too--instead of just dismissing him (or her) as an idiot, you give some insight into his character. The poem makes me wonder: If he must have those extra few yards of road, is he that way in the rest of his life, too?)

The only thing that confused me was the title. When I read it, I thought the poem was going to refer to the Native American idea of the Earth being supported by a ladder of turtles. But the poem didn't go there at all (unless I missed something--always a possibility). So when I arrived at the turtles crossing the road, I had a bit of a hard time deciding if they were real or symbolic.

Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thanks.
Barbara