Hinter-Hedge Hiders

From wind and rain, from snow and hail,
behind a good fat bush,
snails of many sizes shelter,
clustered in a crush.
But huddling close together
adds warmth, and safety, too,
till someone comes with hedging shears,
exposing all the crew.
At least their shells remain intact,
and still behind their bush,
perhaps they'll stay unnoticed
by each hungry, searching thrush.

© Celia Warren 2017