The Fence

Each one of these poems about an unhinged mind has helped me in some way, a notch on my walking stick without which I could not have traveled far.

          Living Adjacent Madness

              If this is your address,
                 then some effort
                  should be spent
            upkeeping your fences.
                   Paint your side-
             or stain it- as you will,
          because God only knows
                what maintenance
                is done over there.

                Allow a small gate,
       for short visits, no loitering.
            Keep the hinges oiled
                with an excellent
          self-locking mechanism
                for hasty retreats.
             Check that the posts
       are sound with solid footings.
                Mind there are no
              burrowing creatures
                 -ghastly things-
              popping up on your
            lovely manicured lawn.

           What is this in the mail?
    “Rhyme and reason to the wind!”,
                purrs the invitation.
          Don’t be lured over there
         by those late night parties,
                 all that seductive
            abandonment of order.

     Stay home, read a good book,
   one with chapters and headings,
                    non of that
        streaming consciousness 
                or bad grammar.
        Occasionally lift your gaze
              above the page and
          let it drift over the fence,
                 but do not stare,
             do not let your eyes 
            linger longer lest lust
           get the better of them. 
           It’s best to scorn them
                       from afar.
             Nurse a safe distance
          and be glad you are done
                  with such trash.