The Gate

The Gate

Many hundreds walking shoulder to shoulder

passed through the illuminated, gold-colored gate.

They wore the same smile and gleam in the eye

that comes from being captain of one’s own fate.

But off to the side of the road stood a boy

watching the crowds like sheep walk by.

He imagined there was nothing of value

and the gate was naught but a pretty lie.

Not sure where to go, he turned and saw

a man in the trees heading his way.

His steps were steady, his steps were light,

though two crossed beams on his shoulders lay.

The man said, “I know of a gate that is different

and much smaller than the one that you see.

And I know the owner who welcomes the weary,

And there is none who is greater than He.

The boy did follow and never looked back

nor did he worry about what it might have cost.

He listened closely and knew it was the truth

the things told him by the man with the cross.

The Gate was narrow.  Only one at a time

could go through, and the Master welcomed him home.

Then the boy was instructed to go and find more

and was then given a cross of his own.

That cross, it was heavy though he didn’t complain

for his footsteps and heart gladly took the weight.

And his mission in life was to carry that cross

and show other travelers the Way to The Gate.