Fences are something we take for granted in these days. As you drive down the Kansas countryside, there are fences all over. It's interesting to learn that the very first fences, which were built in this country, were built not to keep cattle in as they are today. They were built to fence cattle out, because homesteaders were starting to plant crops in an era of open range. This poem that I wrote is called "Both Sides of the Fence".

Good fences make good neighbors, in Robert Frost, I read,

and that old time poet was right in what he said.

For you'll keep your neighbors happy and life will be a song

if the fence keeps the critters on the side where they belong.

A good tight five-wire fence is a pretty thing to see,

but my old fence always needs fixing, which is a pain to me.

I hate a fence which won't keep my livestock inside,

and those fences get in the way when we're out on a trail ride.

There will always be fences, so I'm resigned to my fate.

I just have one request, would somebody open the gate?