It lay open

 

The portal had no barrier

no key, no lock, no door

Inside was partly obscured

against the light outside

I moved forward but

not with trepidation

Rather a silent invitation spoke

with encouragement

There was an absence of fear

as I crossed the threshold

Into a dark warmth

a womb of familiar welcome

Inside passages formed a web

around an inner garden and a fountain

The trickle of water spoke of serenity

as a distant chant pervaded all

Not a soul was to be seen

but I had been well received

I did not wish to retrace my steps

only to remain there in solitude