Conversations Over a Low Fence

maybe it is nothing more
than realizing that
the gate was left
unlatched carelessly
and that I have
no right
no honest need
to open it further
and see what is beyond

whatever secret gardens
I may glimpse from here
on this path
are not mine to explore
beyond this inviting gate

at some point
as we speak
I'm sure you will see
that this gate needs closing
because it was not
left open
for me.

Don McGonigal
February 2006