“Fences” came out of experiences with a neighbor who shares opposite political beliefs and verbalizes contempt for a Commander in Chief who I greatly admire. The poem sheds light on an age-old problem. How do you get along with someone whose views come out of prejudice and fear? The poem tries to capture the frustration of the challenge along with the belief in kindness as, perhaps, the only reliable change-agent.
Steve Nolan spent 30 years in the military and 25 years as a mental health professional. He has been published in many small press journals and his poetry was featured on National Public Radio, Morning Edition, in 2007, upon his return from Afghanistan. He is the author of Go Deep, Base Camp, and American Carnage, An Officer's Duty to Warn. His work reflects his commitment to social justice.
F: https://www.facebook.com/steve.nolan.5473
X: @Maj_nolan