Beyond the Gate

 

Beyond the Gate

The gate opens slowly,
the rusty metal creaking softly.

Beyond it lies
the life you long for.

An anxious feeling makes your
chest rise and fall
like waves in the sea.

You hesitate, afraid,
your eyes wide.

The dying leaves rustle
in the crisp Autumn breeze.
The cold air lifts your chin,
and somewhere in the distance,
the branches whisper ---

Come and see.

But your bones feel stiff.
Your eyes cannot focus.
You dare to dream
of life truly lived,
yet you're unable to move.

You feel the tug
at your feet.

You turn.

You run like the wind.

Once again,
fear pulls you back into its arms.

By Debbie

ai art by me