Perimeter Check

This path is an in between land
overgrown & weedy with only a
hard trod ring enclosing the
entirety of prison with chain link
fencing the same kind you bought
at Home Depot

to keep inside
your dog
your child
your life

Officers stalk walk this DMZ all
day looking for a break smoking
Marlboro or black & mild in a
chain like the fence of thin metal
diamonds the same kind you can
buy at Home Depot

to keep inside
your mother
your father
your sons & daughters


I have walked this perimeter with
you on the outs & me on the ins
we laughed often with relish
& pried open bit by bit the pieces of
thin metal fence the same kind
you bought at Home Depot

to keep inside
your words
your heart
your desire

to build an open gate.