By Crystal Arbogast

It stands solid against the skyline
Rooted deep in the earth
Wind and weather cannot subdue it
Time does not weaken it

She stands at the entrance
Knocking meekly, as if to stir
Some kindly force within
A sign of welcome, the face of a friend

But there is no sound on the other side
No kind stirring, no answer, no reply
Only the wind blowing softly
A tease of a whisper just past her ear

She shivers at the prospect
Of no reply or warm welcome
She cannot return to her former place
The door is closed and the key is lost

Tears flow freely now
Pleas grow stronger, her knocking louder
In exhaustion, she slumps in sorrow to her knees
Her head rests upon the gate

She falls forward as it gives way
To a gentle push
The other side is revealed and she knows
Permission was never needed to pass the entrance of
free will