Walls

What is this thing that we have about a wall?

For centuries humans have had occasion

To build structures in hopes to forestall

Any threat of attack or invasion.

 

The Great Wall of China is very well known,

Requiring effort to be built through the ages.

A structure of such immensity requires

That it be designed and completed in stages.

 

Thick walls of castles and fortresses abound

To protect against plunder and pillage.

Protective walls also surround

Many a quaint Medieval village.

 

As you traverse America you’ll see

Walls and fences throughout the land.

DO NOT ENTER signs naturally will be--

Along with NO TRESPASSING--in great demand.

 

Around many homes is a wall or a fence--

Usually, that is, around the back yards.

Some people go to greater expense

And live in a gated community with guards.

 

Sometimes I wonder if they’re worth the labor--

All of these fences built at great cost.

But some say a good fence makes a good neighbor,

Quoting the line from the poem by Frost.

 

There are many reasons for walls, no doubt.

In East Germany and East Berlin,

Instead of trying to keep people out,

Walls were constructed to keep people in.

 

Walls around prisons also deter

The inmates from fleeing before they’re released.

From seeing school walls, we can infer

How much school violence has increased.

 

The wall that Israel has built--we can see--

Winds in and out of the West Bank location.

It’s there for defense, we are told, although we

Can also see that it’s for separation.

 

Some want a wall on our southern border.

That will solve our problems, they say.

Frankly, that would be a tall order

Who has the money to fritter away?

Some walls are the intangible kinds--

The ones around us that are invisible

And prevent us from truly opening our minds.

To deny their existence would be risible.

 

I wonder: will it ever end--

This building of barriers to keep us apart?

It seems as though we're trying to extend

The wall surrounding the human heart.

(7-22-14)