The Walled Garden Gate is written for Sadje’s What do you see? weekly prompt. The #158 prompt is to write something inspired by this photo by Mick Haupt.

The Walled Garden Gate is Open

Oh! The walled garden gate is open. 
I want to go in there and visit; 
But, 

Why is the walled garden gate open? 
It is never open, is it!
Is it?

I want to enter—
adventure
into there; 
But, 

Hey! what does it cost?
Do I dare? 
Go there— 
get lost? 

Be bold! 
All told, 
the threshold is easy to cross — 
just step through; 
But, 

What shall I do? 
I’m not allowed; 
I’m scared, 
at a loss; 
and cowed herein,
To go 
So far… 
in. 

Wherefore is it open?
Why’s it Ajar? 

It invites
With a promise 
of sweet smelling herbs
such as lavender—
evening primrose, and anise.
It is a lure
That perturbs 
me to plea,
How can I be sure?
The walled garden door 
is open for me?

I want to pass
through the garden wall
without doubt and fear—
and see
All that is Hid.

But, 

Will I Disappear?—
Like the other kids did?




Lesley Scoble    October 2022

My thanks to Sadje #What Do You See for the photo prompt that sparked the inspiration for this poem!

Herstmonceux Castle, Sussex. October 2022

The walled garden, Herstmonceux Castle, Sussex. October 2022