202 Turtle Haiku: The Story of Pong - Tapa blanda

"I am slow but sure Cautious, persistent and strong With tricks of my own." ...I am just overwhelmed to write Pong's story in a Haiku manner 5,7 and 5 syllables in three lines. I tried to make it a real talking turtle through instilling my thoughts and imaginations in Pong's image and tried to give life to his story. Pong participated in this Haiku poetry. Portion of the poetry came from his observation around him, including me. I have learned a lot from taking care of Pong and my other turtles. If people would pay attention to some animal behaviors as my pet Pong, they could learn some virtues. So enjoy reading Pong's story. It is a short one and you can finish it in one sitting...So go, turtling with him! -Esther B. Jimenez

Esther B. Jimenez is a native of Manila, Philippines, a nurse by profession, a US Citizen and residing in Illinois, USA. She had published four books: "365 Days Food For Thoughts" " Bible Tidbits" "What's In My Heart? Volume I, and What's In My Heart? Volume II, (a collection of poems and poetry from the author's heart) She is one of the contributors/authors of the famous book, "Cup Of Comfort Devotional" with two short articles for August 3rd and August 16th. Another book is already being processed for publishing and coming out very soon, ("Have Phun With Elefants") It's about elephant jokes, riddles and knock-knock games. "Gather Around The Table" (Prayers at meal time) is next to this book. Esther is a member of Author's Marketing Group in Illinois, a member of Chicago Turtle Club. A columnist of Via Times, a Newsmagazine catered to Asian-American community in Chicago. Esther reads and writes a lot and paints sceneries and nature. Obviously, she is a pet lover, used to have two dogs and two cats. Now she has Pong and other turtles and a Shih Tzu dog named, "Benjie" She rescues abandoned and stray animals, especially turtles crossing the road.