“Good fences make good neighbors”
they say, quoting Robert Frost, who
himself questioned mending walls
but admitted there may be times
with cattle that it’s necessary.
yes, we know it’s true when
gates are left open or fencing fails,
cattle do damage in another’s field;
good neighbors help round up strays
to be returned to respective home.
proper boundaries also preserve
respect in human relationships;
no one admires the adulterer who
disavows their spouse by taking
another lover if grass is greener.
dictators and dissidents cross
borders of sovereign nations,
disregarding the rule of law but
determined in their lust for power
to take a neighbor’s homeland.
we understand where the lines are
written in the sand; yet somehow
we must welcome those who come
in peace to help mend fence together
can good gates also make good neighbors?
a poem in my pocket 
Aug 21, 2014 @ 15:46:49
I like this a lot.. there are the good and bad things of boundaries… I think it depends on what happens to us when we are inside.. your last stanza hit home with me today.
Aug 21, 2014 @ 22:15:41
I’m so glad you like this, Bjorn. Thanks for your kind comments.
Aug 21, 2014 @ 15:36:26
There is so much wisdom in this, but it’s the ending that made me want to stand up and applaud. Sometimes I want to just stay closed in, inside that fence..but would go crazy without the gate! Yeah!
Aug 21, 2014 @ 22:14:10
Thank you, Victoria! I bow to your gracious applause.