Key
For Ellie Hoovs' Wonderland Poetry Prompt Unofficial Challenge Day 5
He held the key within his hand.
He smelt the iron ore
And secretions from the palms of those
Who'd held the key before.
The history of times gone by
In this refuge of the poor
Were paramount within his head
As the key unlocked the door.
And suddenly, he's bathed in light
And volume hits his ears
And from the shadows, with the key,
He's turned from all his fears.
For in this place behind the door
Are people good and true
Who seek what is behind the door;
A place of banished blues
Where all are welcome now to rest
And revel in themselves.
No status here, no membership
And all are treated well.
"Come in, my friend and shut the door!"
A jolly voice shouts out.
"Come over here and tell us
What your life's been all about!"
The warmth, the welcome, all contrive
To make him feel as one.
He turns to shut the heavy door
And sees the key has gone.
"But what about the key?" he says.
"I think that it's been lost."
He wonders if his clumsiness
Will be greeted with a cost.
High laughter does his question cause:
"The key? It's just been tossed!"
And sure enough the door's ajar:
Another soul who's lost.
"It's passed along to someone else,
Another one in need.
The key, it knows to place itself
Where he who needs can see't.
A key you found and picked it up
And followed where it led
And here you found the lock it fits
And the place to rest your head."
*
Written in response to Ellie Hoovs' Wonderland Challenge:

Comments (10)
How you crank out a poem that's got such strong rhyme for so many lines and no bumpiness to the narrative in such a short time is mind blowing to me! Really enjoying what you're doing with these!
An inspiring, whimsical poem…delightful 💖.
You are killing the challenge with pure magic, Rachel! I need to find that key!
I was feeling sus the whole time. Like it was too good to be true. But seems like I was wrong, lol. Loved your poem!
I love this poem, Rachel. A comical, cheeky twist in parts, but a deep and meaningful message. Nice work.
I love the optimism of this poem Rachel and also the idea that the key is passed on. This was lovely.
The key universal found by those who have not necessarily sought it but need it, forever eluding those who seek it but for hoarding it.
Oh may we all find a place where we can rest and be welcomed so tenderly and met just where we are when we need it most.
Well-wrought! The old joke: When's a door not a door? When it's ajar!
Love this, Rachel. Nicely crafted with a beautiful message and vision.