I lift the sodden plank and there he is,

unflinching as the sudden stream of light

hits his dark dimpled amphibious skin

which seems to suck the sunlight up while his

eyes consider this strange creature that blights

his quiet existence. I have to move him.

Guessing my intention he makes a leap

for a gap underneath the nearby shed,

but I catch him and cup my hands to hold

him with a window through which he can peep

as I place him in the damp grass instead.

The boyish thrill of capturing a toad.

And then he burrows down where he belongs

out of sight while bushes echo with song.