The Fenceless Gate

John Crook

for Hughie

High in the hills of Wales
somewhere above Ceredigion
a fenceless gate swings in the wind.

Bold spirit are you?
A rugged glance, good boots or a 4 by 4
and you're away.

among sheep and ravens
cloudwise among crags
bogs and sudden mist

a falling white out
lost in the desert
chilly too.

Coming down a valley no one ever saw before
the dead still sing in the Inn.
Finding a way home not so easy then.

They make you welcome - see,
beer's good,
hard to get away and the company cheerful.

Nothing to worry about - see
the view in the rear view mirror,
marke me, fading

Boyo - just you take care in Wales.
Fenceless gates
swinging in the wind

are saying more than you take them for.
Having another are you?