Restored house, no longer weary. Fences That We Build
Are Not Always Meant
To Keep People Away
There’s a house
Down the road from us.
It’s been there for years
Longer than I.
It was neglected and it
Looked weary, trying to hold
Its own in
A grove of cedars.
Then people of character
Moved in.
They patched holes and they
Painted boards.
But mostly, they
Put up fences.
Fences that stretched
Around the sides of the
House, curving like
Welcoming arms
Reaching out
To passers by.
Fences, offering
Friendship to
All who would but
Venture a visit in.
Susan Patterson
10-2013
Are Not Always Meant
To Keep People Away
There’s a house
Down the road from us.
It’s been there for years
Longer than I.
It was neglected and it
Looked weary, trying to hold
Its own in
A grove of cedars.
Then people of character
Moved in.
They patched holes and they
Painted boards.
But mostly, they
Put up fences.
Fences that stretched
Around the sides of the
House, curving like
Welcoming arms
Reaching out
To passers by.
Fences, offering
Friendship to
All who would but
Venture a visit in.
Susan Patterson
10-2013
Audio of Fences That We Build...
Discussion:
This poem tells the story of a house that was in disrepair, but made whole again by people of character. I love houses, any style, any kind. It is sad to me to see a house that is left to fall apart little by little. It is disrespectful. And so the house in my poem is restored and then it is protected by fences that curve around and reach out.
But the poem is also about people who build fences or barriers to protect themselves. Often barriers are not meant to keep everyone out, just those who would do harm. Getting to know a person who has his or her barriers up, may very well be the best thing since sliced bread. So, when you meet someone who is surrounded by fences, it might just be worth the extra effort to find a way in. skp
But the poem is also about people who build fences or barriers to protect themselves. Often barriers are not meant to keep everyone out, just those who would do harm. Getting to know a person who has his or her barriers up, may very well be the best thing since sliced bread. So, when you meet someone who is surrounded by fences, it might just be worth the extra effort to find a way in. skp
Halloween Offerings for the Devotees
Friends, Dick and Lisa dressed for Halloween. It's that time again, Halloween. Time for costumes and candy. Now, I'm not fond of Halloween when it is all about the dead, evil spirits, fear, and blood that is spilled. Personally I don't think that we should honor evil things, nor should we encourage our children to celebrate them.
But, one cannot find objection to two such fun costumes as the ones that Dick and Lisa are sporting. In fairness, however, I think that I must tell you, Dick is not wearing much of a costume. That is almost his every day attire.
In following with the Halloween holiday, you are invited it listen to an except of The Raven. I recorded it for a presentation on Radio Kinver, www.radiokinver.co.uk
But, one cannot find objection to two such fun costumes as the ones that Dick and Lisa are sporting. In fairness, however, I think that I must tell you, Dick is not wearing much of a costume. That is almost his every day attire.
In following with the Halloween holiday, you are invited it listen to an except of The Raven. I recorded it for a presentation on Radio Kinver, www.radiokinver.co.uk
Excerpt from The Raven, by Edgar Allen Poe
▶To determine one's purpose in Earth is to determine the Divine.
Earlene Grey
Earlene Grey
In celebration of the beauty and intensity of black cats.
Until next time, happy poetry to you! skp
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