Derelict Gate

You'd need a machete, or maybe a scythe,
to cut through thick nettles and brambles.
Expect lots of scratches - you could lose your eyes;
this route's not the kindest of rambles.

And if you get through all the thorns in your way,
impossibly safe and unscathed,
you'll discover a sign on a long-unused gate
that reads PRIVATE and NO RIGHT OF WAY.

Stick to the lanes and you can't go far wrong.
Leave adventure to those who can't read,
for those who do reach it will find the gate locked
and beyond it more brambles that lead

to nowhere and no-one; no visible path,
tearing thorns that will not set you free.
Step boldly away and forget what you saw,
set off home for a hot cup of tea.

© Celia Warren 2019

I think this long-derelict gate would have led to a house destroyed during military exercises in WWII. The area - and its many villages and beaches - were evacuated for training for what would become the D-Day landings.

Thanks to 60plus for hosting Derelict Sunday this week.