Many appearances
in this holiday season
seem as locked doors..

War zones we view
wondering what string
of complexities led to
the soldier standing
in a protective stance..

Homeless people with
cardboard signs
withstand cold wind
stating their ensnarement
and wish to belong..

Immigrants end their
long journeys in
detention..looking
outward to that which
appears free beyond..

Many outward paths
seem impeded by
an ancient lock
guarding a hole
without a key..

We apparently wait
for a single key
filling many holes
with recognized light...