Friday, July 31, 2009

Poem: Two Ways to Maintain a Fence

Two Ways to Maintain a Fence

You may paint it
each season,
and keep your vigilance,
replacing each slat
as they begin
to falter,
so you are sure
the wall never fails,
and you are protected,
always safe
and alone,
always behind
the perfect picket
so all will see you
and say
how beautiful your fence
is,
missing
what lies behind.

Or you may let it go,
refuse to repaint
or rebuild,
let it weaken
in seasons of summer storms,
let it lean,
break,
rot,
and slowly
have it fall
apart
so animals,
children,
and lovers
may push it over
and walk in.

=================

The picture was taken in Wells, Vermont. You can click on it for a larger view.

Tom

6 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

There's a lot to be said for tearing down walls. Or at least having a gate! I love the patina of a well worn fence.

Uh-oh. You posted this at 11:11. It's a sign.

Anonymous said...

liked this.
have a lovely weekend tom

Anonymous said...

I love it!
And I love the fences ~go figure! ;) May I re-post it with credit (and kudos) given, linking it back here?

Tom Atkins said...

Fencepostings - of course you may. am glad you like it that much.

Tom

Unknown said...

Hi Tom,

This is really nice. Making neglect a virtue. That could grow on me!!

FireLight said...

A striking observation!Move over Robert Frost!! There's a new kid in New England!