That Side

As I went walking, I saw a sign there 
And on the sign it said “No Trespassing.” 
But on the other side, it didn't say nothing, 

That side was made for you and me.

~Woody Guthrie

This Land Is Made for You and Me

I had reached the end of the short beach when I heard a raucous avian clamor coming from the inlet on the other side of the scrubby stand of pines. Hoping it was a flock of migrating Arctic Swans, I followed a wide path into the woods only to hit a chainlink fence topped with barbed wire a short way in. Confused, I bushwacked a bit to see if I could find a view of the birds, but the leafless thorns of Greenbriar that lined the way held me at bay. 

On the other side of the fence, I could see a road, and, sure it was the same one we had followed to get to our rented beach house, I turned left on a deer trail and continued until the fence ended and I had access to the road. It was then I saw the signs. Private Property, they proclaimed. No trespassing, hunting, or fishing. Violators will be prosecuted. 

I realized that all along the fence had been keeping me in, not out, in the interest of discouraging those prospective trespassers. So enlightened, I followed the road to where I could finally see the wetlands, but by then, the birds were gone.