X: A wise old reptile

Back in I go
the tortoise' head said it all
As it retreated
back to where it's safe and warm
The world's a bad place
filled with inconsistencies
Equality laws
yet they say all life's a competition
Compete with man
and birds alike; some are armour clad
Inflexible
yet protected as a species
A competition
you cannot fight on level ground
But it can get at
you whenever it wants
Lure you with its
feathered tail; skint you with painted claws
Two fingers from
retracting paws- goodnight out there, I hate you all