House On The Hill Comments

This is the inaccessible house, even though it gives the appearance of being completely welcoming. The fence without a gate seems to invite entry but entry is blocked. The last four lines emphasize - with considerable force in the words - this is private space, the prospective visitor will always be an outsider. The fact that this house is so clearly visible on its hill means that we will be continually reminded of our exclusion. This reminds me of the many gated communities that have proliferated in recent years, keeping residents separate from the rest of the population, keeping people apart.

M ay I suppliment the following lines to your poem! A house without doors And courtyard filled with flowers A small stream nearby And a small boat sailing across