Thank you M. Snail

Each week, on hump day, otherwise known as Wednesday,
I have a babysitting gig.
I endeavor to entertain a three year old while his mother is in class.
I love kids, I am a good babysitter, and I know this little one quite well (I have been watching him since soon after his first birthday).
Yet, attempting to keep him entertained, not screaming or being disruptive,
And often having to run behind him ad nauseum make me dread Wednesday evenings.
Its not easy, babysitting on campus, rain or shine, light or dark.
The end of daylight savings certainly helped save my sanity.
But today, I had help from a most unexpected quarter.
A little snail, minding its own business, curled into its shell.
My ever observant charge noticed the creature on the stairs.
What was potentially a few minutes entertainment turned into an hour and a half of pleasurable encounter with Monsieur/Madame Escargot.
Good thing I am not squeamish, and have my own inner child fueled fascination with snails.
I was happy to pick the reclusive creature off the corner of the steps
Where it had attached itself,
And place it gently in a place where the tyke and I could prod it into action,
Observe its captivating coiling and uncoiling of itself from its shell,
Tiny wispy tentacles poking out first, followed by the rest of its head,
And finally, its thick tail.
My little buddy and I both enjoyed the show, and if I had not finally
taken mercy on the creature and let it makes its unhurried way into the
bushes without further interruption, I think the amusement would have
lasted longer still.
So once again,
Thank you Mr./Ms. Snail for coming to this stressed babysitter's rescue...