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