Debra Kennedy Bagwell

The Gate

I had read about it. I even wondered about it but I had no idea I would be alive to see it. The creature of the future was supposed to be just that, of the future. Dear God, what have I gotten myself into? Racing toward the gate was my only way of escape. It was the only opening I could see. The heavy metal looked to be impenetrable but I had to try. There was a key in the gate lock. I touched the cold hard key in the gate which actually resembled a locket. A locket like my grandmother had worn decades ago. It was in the shape of a heart but this one no longer had a glow to it. This one was tarnished and had an aged patina just begging to be polished. Grandmother’s was so beautiful and so shiny. I remember she had said besides her wedding ring it was the only “real” piece of jewelry she had. Thinking of her made me feel real love and very safe. And with that, the gate simply opened as if it were waiting for me to get there. My eyes rushed about. Should I go on? I had no choice for I was moving to the other side merely by thinking it. What is this place, I thought, as I floated through to the other side? It was beautiful and full of life and every living thing. There were so many little children playing, laughing and dancing. They were all innocent and full of truth. Where are their parents or any adults, I wondered? One tiny child ran to me with a beautiful basket filled with luscious fruit and said, “Eat so you can see.” So, I ate. I had never tasted anything so wonderful. My eyesight became so clear. Another little one ran by and blew me a kiss that felt like genuine sweetness and love. Still another gently took my hand and said, “Come, I will show you around”. It seemed that some kind of learning and teaching was going on under the trees. They were all reading and laughing but I did not see a teacher. Next, I saw magnificent colors shooting through the air almost like shooting stars except more real and very bright. The skies were brilliant pink with no blue at all. Beautiful waters of azure flowed throughout the entire place with vivid lush plants. More rivers sprang forth appearing as running on glass and taking on colors of the rainbow as they flowed. In this gorgeous amazing place with its abundant meadows of flowers and trees, animals were running and eating and even talking with deliberate freedom. It was simple, elegant and so inviting. Why was I here?