i have run those fences
inside fences, casting shadows
that frame more enclosing
the borders we paint sometimes
on pickets friendlier somehow–
that gapped country smile
that seems open but hold us
apart, still guarding something priceless
without a sharply lettered KEEP OUT
or NO TRESPASSING
the message is there
just more worn down by weather
in falling-away paint chips
first shadow
then old wood/peeled latex
pushing us away
from the steel
that truly divides
***at Dverse today, we are looking at art by SueAnn, and writing whatever it inspires us to create. Fun!
From Sueann’s Journey at http://wwwsueann.blogspot.com/
Susan Daniels Poetry 
whew…nice closure on this…the steel that divides….fences can protect us but also keep us apart…i like the image as well of the fence as a gap toothed smile…you know i did not notice there were two fences in the pic until this….nice hit…
good to see you as well…smiles.
Thanks, Brian! Still fighting off ickiness (have a touch of bronchitis) so a bit slower (& later) than usual.
Whew, that steel one behind is the real threat, I like where you went with the prompt.
Anna, thank you. Yes, at first all I saw was that homey, homely picket fence with the paint peeling away. Then I saw the stronger fence behind, and out came the poem. Brian chose some great pics to inspire us, and I can’t wait to read everyone else’s takes on the art.
the message is there..beautiful.
Thanks so much, Lisa!
This was wonderful … lovely lines !!!
Oh, thanks, my friend!
It’s amiable but has a quiet scream behind it!
Yes, it does–a scream or a snarl, or both…
I love that picture and I love the way you choose it to write your poem about. I wanted to use that picture, but my words just weren’t going in that direction. I love how you make that connection that fences can keep one out as well as in.
Dana–thanks! Can’t wait to see what you chose to write about! Going to dive into the poetry after work…
I enjoyed the description of a pretense of an invite, of hidden meanness:
“that gapped country smile” – great phrase.
I am finding many of the poems about Sue’s stuff are dark and negative (mine too). Interesting.
ohhh–hidden meanness. Lovely, sinister thought there. Looking forward to reading yours later!
“the message is there
just more worn down by weather
in falling-away paint chips”
wonderful stanza, great work!
Oh, thank you! I saw so much motion in that peeling paint 😉
Enjoyed…whats the saying, good fences (strong fences?) make good neighbors…we all need our space, at least, for a little while. Just thought of photos I’ve seen of little kids peering through a picket fence. The opening lines are my favorite. Leo
Thanks, Leo! Yes, good fences make good neighbors. Wonder what double fences make?
maximum security prisons?
hahaha–yes!
I liked the mention that the message is still there, though worn down by weather….and I take it out of your poem and apply it to life!
Mary, that’s got a vivid (but worn) truth to it that I like!
uhhmm….yep I know all about the fences, sometimes barbed wire has come into play. nicely done susan. i’m finally out of my funk. sandy’s weather really bushwacked me for a bit.
Oh, love the comment, Don! Yes, finally drying up here too, but at least our houses did not wash away, so I have been refusing to say much about our weather… All the rain has been tedious, though.
Thought provoking. As one who sometimes like to turtle, secluded places have their uses. On the whole, I do like open spaces.
Me too–although the gardener I am does love to grow scarlet runner beans and the like up fences 😉
pushing us away
from the steel
that truly divides
This is particularly the effect of a fence, it divides and imposed boundaries on us!
Nicely Susan!
Hank
Thank you, Hank!
Went where I was gonna go—in between fences so to speak—and keeping things out. Very strong writing. (I have been contaminated and cannot write on this picture now.) “the message is there”, for sure. Thanks.
Oh, thank you! I am sorry you read this first before writing your take, though… Would have enjoyed reading it.