Poetry by Richard Perry: Walls

Walls

Walls are essential; this is very true.

They help to build shelters for me and you.

They keep some things in and others out;

That’s not what this story is all about.

We build walls that people cannot see.

And we build them around you and me.

In a house, they keep out snow and rain;

But we often build them to hide our pain.

There are barriers behind which we hide;

So folks won’t know what’s happening inside.

Those feelings that we are afraid to share;

While folks are waiting outside, who care.

So answer the door, or pick up the phone;

There is help out there; don’t face things alone.

Life will put you on both sides of those walls.

So let the help in, or answer those calls.

Here ends my story, so I hope you will see.

If you take down those walls, then you can be free.

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Pictured: Richard Perry at Half & Half Restaurant in Reading. Photo by Taylor Gregory.

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