Fences: 10/7/13

What You Know About Fences

You know, because you grew up on a farm, to always close the gate behind you. You know the fence wants new nails, new planks, new wire because it is the only thing between animals and the road. You know, now matter what materials or dimensions you use, that some horse or mule will put its hoof through the fence. You know how to joke about this, exactly how much exasperation goes into the remark “they’ll always find a way to get themselves hurt.”

You know if you see a horse caught in a fence how to walk calmly to them, hope it is not one of the stupid or mean animals. You know to keep wirecutters in your back pocket. You know how rarely they can be saved from damage to their legs.

You know because you have spent a lifetime perching on fences (pipe fences, wooden fences, stone fences) that it is best to sit next to a post, so you have something to lean against while you watch the fields and sky.

You know because gates swing and guards smile pleasantly that your white skin melts fences.

You know because you have been scolded that you cannot climb fences in a dress. You know because you did not believe the scolding that you can.

You know because of tracks in the snow that deer will leap any fence you build.

You know because you hear about it that people are shot or shelled for climbing fences. But only some fences. Only some people.

You know enough to hate barbed wire, razor wire- fencing valued only for its sharpness.

You know because a Yellowstone park ranger once told you that wolves dig under fences, escape the park and are killed by ranchers. Fences must be sunk into the ground like roots.

You know which of the horses can open gates with their strong acrobat lips.

You know which way they will run down the road if they escape, where best to head them off.

You know to always close and lock the gate behind you.