The Old Fence Remains

The Old Fence Remains

The old fence​​ 

around the rear garden

isn’t giving up easily!

Although it can stand straight,

it is mostly soft and the edges

are frayed like an old shirt;

it has its sags and holes

even entire pieces cut away

the hinges don’t work​​ 

like they used to

the gates don’t open

without effort

and they must be closed

with care; a lock would​​ 

be pointless​​ 

but it’s become

a bit of a friend

as I poke and prod

nail and prop

up its weaknesses

because it has stood there

these many years

guarding pets

and children

and letting there

be a place of quiet

and beauty; a place

the world passes by.

It has​​ willed​​ itself

to live on while dying one step

at a time and to​​ 

receiving all the help

I can give it.