The trees sheathed in ice brought back memories
Of a time when heart was hurried but body free
And a house was discovered with pretty brooks
Over which Japanese-style red bridges looked
And all flanked with high spiked wood fence
Which reminded of forts, built there to prevent
Casual passers-by from seeing inside to walls
Covered by mirrors thruout, from doors to halls
All front walls were French-style, made of glass
So yet another reason for a high fence to mask
For anyone standing on the outside looking in
Would see right through glass to all reflecting
Back from inside walls which formed the rooms
And freedom to move would be inhibited soon
So the fort-like fence was absolute necessity
To keep in reflections of life shared fully ...
- Tristram
Christopher W. Thomas
5am Sunday Jan. 18, '98