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
by Lesley Scoble
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!
“It invites With a promise of sweet smelling herbs such as lavender—“
Herstmonceux Castle, Sussex. October 2022
“Be bold!
All told,
the threshold is easy to cross —
just step through; “
The walled garden, Herstmonceux Castle, Sussex. October 2022
Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright, (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.
LesleyScoble.com 
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