Thursday, September 22, 2011

Broken Fences



















The fence was built long ago
boundaries were clearly established
we knew where to stand
didn’t cross over unless invited
but time has worn away the paint
termites corroded the wood

easier for visitors to crawl through the opening
then walk around to the front gate
chickweeds and flowers grow side by side
we don’t talk like we used to
never see you in the yard anymore,

nor waiting at the front porch stoop
with the promise of adventure
beyond the broken barricade.

I remember watching you rebuild
the fence and painting it white ...
my childhood house had become our home.

Last night I looked up at the stars,
felt the breeze through the trees
shuffled in the darkness

realized I was so alone
dropped my tea cup,
heard it shatter …

then crossed a bridge over the stream
where you were waiting at a cobblestone path
hand in hand we broke through the borders
beyond the fence which separated us for so long.

Watercolor painting by drice

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