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An informal chat or talk: a friendly discussion, typically on a literary subject.

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Fences That We Build Are Not Always Meant to Keep People Away

10/29/2013

2 Comments

 
PictureRestored 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


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



Halloween Offerings for the Devotees

PictureFriends, 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





Excerpt from The Raven, by Edgar Allen Poe


▶To determine one's purpose in Earth is to determine the Divine. 
                 Earlene Grey


Picture
In celebration of the beauty and intensity of black cats.

Until next time, happy poetry to you!    skp
2 Comments
Janet Voss
10/29/2013 04:25:01 am

I love the use of the words "people of character". They say so much - people who are willing to respect the home in which they live; respect who themselves and the way they dress and behave; people who respect and treat others well - those words say so much. I also love the thoughts abut the fence. An inviting fence - I like that.

Reply
Susan
10/30/2013 09:04:11 am

Janet,

Yes, I agree totally about the people of character. How one presents himself and his surroundings in the world is a part of character. There are of course exceptions, but I think that you hit it on the nail. And fences in relation to people is often typical. Once you go to the gate and enter in, there is much to appreciate. Thanks for your comments. skp

Reply



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    Susan Patterson is a published author of three books of poetry and a book of memoirs.  She is heard regularly on RKWP podcast-radio. She also speaks at private and public events. Find out more at the website below.

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