Get Your Premium Membership

The Stranger and the Fence

I held onto the top and looked over the fence with a mighty jump and lift. The fence was so high I struggled to see what was beyond. It had taken all my strength to get near the top. I had seen a glimpse of a man's head! I knew someone was there on the other side! I had been walking that day, and the day before that and many days before that. I had seen this fence in the distance when I was travelling and could not see where neither left side nor right side ended. So, I had approached the fence looking for a door. No door. A continuous fence? I had never seen one before. I called out gently, 'Hello?' ' 'Hello there!' came the response. It seemed we were both in the same predicament; Both wanting to get over the large picket fence. So we talked. We both sat. Talked till the Sun went down. It got chilly. Sat with our backs to the wall to keep warm. The Sun was on its way up. He had made me laugh through the breezy night. I had forgotten myself. My situation. He had taken my heart and I did not know. 'Well what are we to do?' he finally asked. 'Our journeys seem to coincide, maybe we can go together?' I smiled, agreed. He attempted to climb over and fell back down. I did so too. I could not grip myself onto the fence anymore. We both became determined but we did not succeed. Tired, bruised and angry. We sat on either side and panted out our dismay. 'I cannot get over.' He finally gave up. 'Nor I.' I shook my head. 'Time is running out for me.' We both said in unison and laughed. 'I must go on my journey.' He stated, my heart hurting. 'Same here.' I wiped my stray tear. 'Well I know we cannot shake hands, but maybe you can reach my fingertips at the top?' I sniffed a smile, saw his fingertips, jumped and touched them goodbye. 'Maybe we will meet again.' He said solemnly. I heard his steps. 'I have a notion we are not even walking in the same direction after all.' I said, the situation worsening. We said our sad goodbyes. I walked on for an unknown time, parallel to the overbearing fence, a heavy feeling in my stomach. I looked up and saw hinges on the fence. A door in the distance! I ran, my eyes hungry for such a sight! I swung the door open embracing the other side. Eyes wide, heart racing, I looked desperately for my true love. My expression slowly faded, my glee dropped as I stood on his empty side of the fence. He was gone. I dropped my bag by his old footprints. My mind raced making decisions. I followed.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2006




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

A comment has not been posted for this poem. Encourage a poet by being the first to comment.


Book: Reflection on the Important Things