Guite

(named for poet Malcolm Guite) 
The snail is such a humble creature, but it holds a special place in my heart. It has been a reminder of perseverance at times when I have needed encouragement to keep going... when I see a snail I am reminded that even when I feel like I’m not getting anywhere, all the tiniest movements in the same direction add up. The snail entered my personal symbol library one day when I was deep in the dark years of our infertility struggle. I was feeling very down and discouraged. As I reached towards my door knob upon arriving home one day, I was shocked to discover the biggest snail I had ever seen sitting on the handle of my door knob. How and why had he slowly creeped his way all the way up my door to wait for me on the handle? I do not know, but I took note and took it to heart. Ever since then the snail has been a special messenger of hope and perseverance to me.
 
These snails are named for poets because I think that poetry is only possible when we move at a slower pace, more present to the world around us. 
 
May these snails remind you to stay present, find peace in a slower pace, and persevere.