Thresholds

Leaving the comfort
Of the warm and safe
In a rush of water
She was born
Leaving a world of darkness
Entering a world of light and joy
And pain and sorrow
But of growth

She stepped into the woods
This timid child
Unsure of what she'd find
Bare feet treading on soft moss
And damp leaves
She entered a world of delight
And imagination
The dappled green canopy
Shined down on her long tresses
She sought for the unknown
And found it

The next room was full of light
The sounds of music and laughter
Called invitingly
What went on in the next room
She wondered
As she peered in
She saw swirling gowns
Of satin and lace
Silk shoes and stockings and gloves
Men in waistcoats and tails
Some standing like pillars of manhood
Others stepping lightly with their partners
Whirling, whirling
She stepped from the darkened anteroom
Into the bright ball
Her eyes met those
Of a tall handsome man
As he walked over
To ask the favor
Of a dance

She stepped again
From the top of the stairs
Into the most sacred place
On earth
Where two are made one
Where eternity is bound together
Where hearts are joined forevermore
She knelt at the altar
Beside that same handsome man
Who had brought her here
To fulfill their lifelong wish
Of being together
Forever

In turn she would bring
Additional life into this world
Providing the place for life to grow
Then laboring to bring it into the world
This tiny miracle
Nurtured by her tender care
Each day was new
Each moment fresh and exciting
Flesh from her flesh
Life from her own body

And after a life spent
In the joy and peace and struggle
She once again found herself
At the brink of something new
What was beyond she did not know
But she could almost, almost
Hear the sweet rustle
Of angel's wings
Welcoming across the threshold
Into the eternities