Stepping In
A push through the door
Reels down to a thimble
The child’s laugh rings
Eyes hover on the decibels.
Another door invites, plays
Swings with a mystic promise
The child peers up the tower
And sees the wondrous power.
Entering in, with a flash,
The child chokes down the rush
A hidden shadow comes to light
Pulling their breath up and up.
A healing touch, the envied all
Throws the child back down
Into the darkness, crying out
Demands of being found.
The shadow appears, beckoned, called
Prepared to play along
The child, though, cannot accept
A door without their crown.