A while back a developer
in our village suggested
a gated community. Gates
not to keep bovine creatures
or antlered animals out.
No. Humans…trashy folks like tourists
and natives. I can envision
what this would be like:
We propose forty-six units
on our 4 acres, clustered
along the historic stone fence
right next to our wonderful neighbors.
Visitors as well as children
are highly discouraged.
Passes are required, given out
by the gatekeeper only.
No wheelchairs or persons
with canes or prostheses
are allowed. They might suggest
a non-youthful image.
Pets are heartily welcomed
but must be purebred.
You can use our pets-only pool,
accommodates one at a time, to keep
your precious ones
from being traumatized
by potential bullies.
Pets must be on leash
on our grounds at all times,
but, across the fence
there is a walking path.
Let your darlings roam
the lovely open spaces
provided by our understanding neighbors.
To make this paradise work
we must sell only
to discriminating individuals
who share our vision
and common disdain
for common folk.
Loraine Brink