What people leave behind, in their own words.

I keep a note on the Adult Poetry Board asking visitors to check off the poems they like and leave a comment about their reaction to the fence. These are some of the sentiments spanning 17 years. When a page fills up, I take it down to make room for more remarks on a fresh note — and I've saved them all, to fuel my desire to continue.

“A delightful find while out for a walk on a lovely day. Thank you! Love this Fence!!”

“So lovely! I actually had to stop and get out of my car to check this out. My soul craves things like this.”

FOUND AT EXACTLY THE RIGHT MOMENT

Some days, the fence finds you

  • "Stumbled upon this by accident on a difficult day. This was exactly what I needed. Thank you!"

    “Just got back from ending a relationship and needed to see this. Thank you.”

  • “Amid political tumult and oppression, this fence reminds me of the beauty of connection, vulnerability, and love.”

    “It helps us be a village!”

    “Recovering after being “RIF’d“ from USAID after 20+ years. You make me remember there is still goodness... humanity. Thank you.”

  • “We always stop! My 2 year old asks for a poem too!”

    “My 4 yr old daughter & I love the poetry & walk by every chance we get - for the last 4 yrs! Thank you!”

    “I want to grow up to be like you! :)”

  • “Unique fence, and I love the bottlebottoms & marbles in the fence.”

    “Just moved here. Brightened our day”

    “This fence is a gift – I get to un-wrap it each time I walk home”

  • “I love the sound of the water feature in the background.”

    “I love your garden. Thank you. Visiting from AZ”

  • "Thanks! You introduce me to something new every time I walk!"

    "Moved away, but still come back."

  • “So grateful to find this treasure! A happy traveler from San Francisco :)”

    “We visit our daughter, traveling from Boston and always visit the poetry fence. We love it.”

    “I am from the Pacific Northwest, and your fence reminds me of home. :) Thank you!”

  • “Our family loves the poetry fence!”

    “More science!!”

  • “We love your books & the pretty marbles.”

    “Thank you for this & the LFL. Really appreciate these quiet moments”

  • "The only stop I allow myself to take on my morning run is at your poetry fence!!”

    “New Del Ray resident, a walk-a-by spot."

    "This made my day. It was much needed. Thank you! – An artist & teacher!"

  • “Thanks. This was the destination of my walk today”

    “I love the poetry fence and when you give stickers! Thanks!”

  • "I am from Estonia. I love poems and jokes."


    "Thank you for this board! Happy New Year!"

  • “Thank you for visibly identifying yourself as an ally.”

    “You make me believe in people again”

    “Thank you for adding beauty, truth and challenge to injustice to this place.”

  • “I love your choices of poems. Does my English teacher heart good :)”

    “They should use this collection to teach poetry in high school. The kids would get into it! I suppose the parents might freak out, though. But the kids would really get the power of poetry!”

  • “I stop, dog & toddlers in tow! Thank you!”

    “This is the favorite part of our walks! – A Del Ray Nanny :-)”

    “I licke the toys Love Grace”

  • “Thank you, thank you! Awakens my heartsong!”

    “Thank you for brightening my walks!”

“This made my day! : ) I was sad and then walked by this randomly. Had no idea it was here!”

“Life’s been rough, but this was such a joy and made me smile. May you always be loved.”

“Thank you as always! Happy Mother’s Day! We are all your reading children.”

“So amazing! I sent photos of this wall to my family in Russia. Who knows maybe you’ll inspire another wall across the globe.”