The Tower

THE TOWER

There is a tower so high above the town.

The clouds blend into it, almost giving it the surreal image of smoke coming out.

There are many steps in this tower—and each step represents the beauty and heartache of what once was — and what is yet to come.

As I approach, I feel a sense of awe; looking up so high, I almost stumble.

I have seen many towers before, but none like this one.

I approach the first floor determined to see inside this mysterious place. But the doors are locked and sturdy.

Yet I hear music inside—calling me—inviting me in.

I ask, “May I please come in? I know I am supposed to be here.”

Slowly, the door opens for me to go in.

I take one step, then another—still determined—but also afraid of what I might find.

There it is! The staircase I saw in my dream.

It has purple—no, royal blue—carpet with gold rails winding up to the top.

I take a deep breath and continue.

The first step has a code on it.

It says, “To reach the top and be free, you must understand.”

What does that mean, I wonder?

I must understand what?

As I take my next step, I realize something.

I hit a wave of feeling.

There is a power in these stairs and the first step that represents something, is truth.

I have hidden myself behind a mask for so long.

Truth means I must take the mask off in order to be free.

I feel light and relieved, knowing that the mask was a survival mask so that I could not be hurt.

But the complete irony is—it hurt me to wear it because no light could enter in.

I see rays of light come through the windows—shining into my very being.

I never had to wear the mask at all.

by Nicole Elizabeth Orozco