The door is opened
the invite extended
still a reluctance
may stay the hand

an apple awaits
the dear traveler
that hope once forgotten
now in form of the fruit

the miles have passed
under the feet
with bridges burnt
and more still complete

the gatekeeper stands
holding the check
allowing free passage
with heavy price

the due will be asked
in so many years
by toils then endured
and dreams grasped at last

roses and cream
beyond the threshold
an invite received
a life then made whole.

2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190217.