The gate opens easily - <br />someone's oiled it quite recently. <br />There's fresh gravel on the path <br />this winter day. <br />There's a dog kennel out there and <br />a single warning bark from inside the house but <br />your shins are safe. <br />Those neighbours of his seem <br />quiescent today.. <br />The doormat has said <br />WELCOME for <br />some frayed years now. <br />There are lights on and <br />the door opens quickly although <br />they weren't expecting you so soon. <br /> <br />'How about a walk around after <br />coffee, this crisp morning? <br />Just as far as you like? There's <br />lots to show you..' <br /> <br />We walk further than <br />I intended, laughing <br />over the word <br />'accessible'.<br /><br />Michael Shepherd<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/0110-visiting-billy-collins/
