Blame the Romans for the pesky snail,
That glide along on a silvery trail.
Surfacing from shelter at first light
To attack plants with all their might.

Once upon a time a delicacy rare.
Now greenery devoured till all is bare.
The invading Romans, the snail they
brought
To wherever they erected a fort.

Many escaped their intended fate
Of ending on a Roman’s plate.
Century after century they multiplied,
Travelling slowly nation wide.

A pellet or two may do the trick
Or any method will kill quick.
It may sound cruel but what’s to do
As at my borders they incessantly chew.


June Taylor
Newton Aycliffe