I tend to note the ages of the deaths

of those that merit mention in the news

and mildly gloat over those that I've outlived

pathetically challenging the fact that I lose.

Strawbery patch

I'm pleasantly surprised to note

a rather unusual absence of slugs

while searching for any hidden fruit

(ignoring the possible presence of bugs)

by feeling 'blind' among the leaves.

But then my hand feels something soft

and moist, surely over-ripe but retrieves

the berry by squeezing  . . . I'm shocked !

It moves ! Above the leaves a head appears.

I recognise it and now it's clear -

if you want to keep your strawberries slug free,

encourage your patch to be well-frogly.