The Gatekeeper

​The Gatekeeper
 
The Gatekeeper’s giggle
echoes in my head
as my mind awakes
in my terrified bed.
 
Hardly remember my dreams.
Tonight is the exception.
Playing over and over again
through my tired eyes.
 
The Gatekeeper opened the entrance
to let my lucid mind in.
Smiling while closing the gates,
trapping me inside.
 
I walk down a red, dirt tunnel.
In the end, there is a firelight.
An older lady with a hidden face
offers a clear glass of liquid
That I take and drink.
It is thick and bitter.
My body reacts like it is a cleanser.
As I cannot stop drinking,
feel light as I leave the room.
 
Next place is so dark,
all I hear is water flowing.
I cannot see it
so a fear is rising in me.
Not knowing where it is.
One step and I could go under.
As soon as a toe hits the waters
I turn and run.
 
End up in a grey, snowy area.
A black and white bench
inviting me to sit.
An arm wraps around my shoulder.
One that I feel but cannot see.
Whispering words of comfort
and guidance to my ear.
I turn my head in hopes
that I can see who it is.
I cannot see the face
but the voice I know.
 
The leads to my waking,
drenched in my own sweat,
more tired than before.
Sleep will not be brought back.
All the mind hears repeatedly
is the Gatekeeper’s giggle.
 
March 2, 2023
©Andrew Scott – Just a Maritime Boy 2023