The Electric Fence
by Veronica Hester
Imagine the tragedy that
Had befallen me
The boomerang flung through the air
No, it didn’t hit me
I walked through the long grass
No, a snake didn’t bite me
The sunset was blooming
The boys were on their gleaming motorbikes
No, they didn’t run me over
But the noise should’ve killed me.
I took it all in
Smiling, breathing
And leaned on the fence
Right in front of me
I, of course, had forgotten
That I was on a farm
And when fences are silver
You don’t lean on them.
And that’s why I don’t lean on fences.
Ever.
—
This poem was the winner of our 2014 poetry competition. For more writing competitions for kids, check out our Comps for Kids page.
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I too once leant on an electric fence. I share your pain, Veronica. Congratulations on a wonderful poem!