A Little Walk to Heaven

A Little Walk to Heaven

(Poetic short story)

Swiftly in the tombs of Jerusalem, I picked up what I thought was a jewel

It's edge hard and cold, with vestiges of dungeons so deathly and cruel

I looked hard to see its design and what it was that I held in my hand

It was gilded with fine materials and signified with the mark of the land

A rose of immaculate design with the edges of an ancient golden key

I turned it over to discover the inscription and what it all meant to me

'Know Thyself' was embossed in the metal and cut deep into the old cast

I frowned when I read the letters, a faint memory emerged from my past

I faintly recognised the inscription but my mind threw a shadow of a doubt

My thoughts raced with memories, all jousting, fighting and jostled about

I rubbed the golden treasure, unsure of its origin and roots in destiny

I knew that I had discovered a key, of tremendous heavenly impunity

I had to work out where it came from, what lock it would snugly enter

And what indescribable riches I'd uncover, what gem hidden at its centre

I left the hallowed halls of the Knights Templar and the old rounded table

The alleys where Christ carried the cross or so went the biblical fable

And exited by the Jerusalem gate where Golgotha imposed the skyline

And wound down towards the vineyard in search for a mysterious sign

I stumbled upon the opening where a king was laid down on its stone

To rise again only three days later, no longer mortally flesh nor bone

It was empty but for the giant rolling stones and incenses burnt within

A tomb for sinners and repentant, to purge the remnants of tainted sin

The key showed no mysterious evidence pointing to the grave of grace

No darkened cache of treasures lay hidden within an ornamental edifice

I knew I would have to search for the clue leading me to the paradise

Where this timely golden treasure was the clue to the ultimate sacrifice

I felt dismayed that my quest was left unfulfilled and dissatisfied to boot

No mountains of gold or dragons hoards and definitely no gilded loot

I left the tomb of Christi and wandered so disheartened past the vines

The grapes of wrath and purple pigments creating ancient scored lines

The black cracks spoke of languages long lost forgotten in their prime

I marvelled at the vestiges of civilisations all but forgotten back in time

I remembered the Garden of Gethsemany as the scholars told the tale

And left this gentle place of saviours for the garden known for betrayal

The winded streets of colours and spices filled my nose with a grumble

I realised that I not supper-ed yet and from my stomach came a rumble

Then I stopped at a back alley tavern where mead was on top of the list

I was really parched and kinda weary for an old fashioned scottish kiss

The whiskey went down heavenly, the brandy and mead not far behind 

I found myself wanting real chips, oat bread and cooked up bacon rind

I sat with eyes blurred and head dulled by the gallons I had consumed

When all of a sudden a wall painting with saints hung in oak entombed

On a canvas of leather and wood, for generations or so I've been told

Caught my eye and I choked at the sight of the mysterious hidden gold

In the pocket of the dead crowns man under the grey horse in the dust

A carpenter lost at dice, swallowing his last mead stood up and cussed

I ignored the unfortunate gambler and went over to the hung display

Nearly tripping, I reached its centre and gazed at where the saint lay

Spilled out over blood and guts, shone the kings ransom for all to see

Glistening in the gloom whilst death crept near the edge closest to me

How had so many missed the sight of that glorious road to freedom

And the promise of unbending happiness was just too great to mention

I saw the boat with disciples and slain knights Templar far to the left

Mary and Jesus at the table and Judas buried in a deep mountain cleft

John strode forth with his banner, whilst Saul spoke of evil and purgatory

Missing the true message of hope leading everyone to the kingdom glory

The dove of peace sat high on the bow of an ark made of cedar wood

Symbolising a new era where blackened souls would all be turned to good

But the picture stirred a discomfort deep down in my spirit and soul

It was true they were all accounted for, each and everyone had a role

But the frame held no magical answer to the key that I held in my vest

Forlornly I sighed at the knowing that I couldn't afford to fail this test

I searched the colors and scenes for the clue to what it was I needed

To see amidst the hues, horses and barley crops the painter had seeded

No lock was to be revealed amongst both the saintly and sinners alike

Not in the mud of the fierce battle or on the end of a helmsmen's pike

I threw down the gauntlet of disgust, caught out by my visions of gold

And turned to walk through the doorway, when the bar master oh so old

Shouted for me to pay my bill or he'd call the jailers from down the road

They'd shackle my arms to the pillar with my poor back bearing the load

I quickly threw down some guilders, a tuppence and new shilling in guilt

I walked towards the garden, where ghostly footsteps were hid in silt

I knew the famous Via Dolorosa was the path of a long crucified king

Whose crown left a blood trail in memory, for Christians to proudly sing

Alas! I saw no ghosts nor heard tell of the hoards beneath the mystery

I was soon to stand in the grass, where the Saviour once stood for me

The darkness was all consuming as the apple trees hushed in the wind

Recounting records of holy wars and adding to the list that had all sinned

I listened in hope for a voice that held the answer to the key of beauty

What would unlock the forbidden gates to creating my own reality?

A shadow appeared just behind midnight when the moonlight was high

An audible sound that shattered the silence, like a nightingales' sigh

I flinched and jumped with terror forgetting the mountains of treasure

This garden was none to my liking and I visited it not for my pleasure

A soft voice spoke from the mists around the trees and branches both

'Dance softly with me human, free your heart of your most precious oath

Release me gently to earth at your feet and bid me farewell before I go

We've been friends for a lifetime but from your soul I must now flow'

I've given darkness and the mists of wrath for your ego to toil heavy

And cut your dreams in half as penitence carried such a sacrificial levy

Release me from the bondage I agreed upon to exact your lesson

Just one moment I became useful when you first decided to question'

I shuddered as a shaft of light burst forth from my fingers and my toes

My weaknesses and failures left me as well as all of my tedious woes

Deserting their comrades, anger and fear left this holy temple of flesh

My mind felt completely surrendered, all naked and newborn and fresh

When the last drop had sunken into oblivion and no trace left behind

The world took on a new understanding and for the first time, it felt kind

Heaven was no longer out there or an obscure place way up in the sky

But a feeling of cosmic impunity, an everlasting -majestic -eternal high

A door appeared out of nowhere and hung lightly in the space between

A glimmer, a rainbow of opportunity through my own mind could be seen

I glanced at the key in my hand and already knew which lock to fill

It slipped into the darkness and twice turned I heard the metallic thrill

The door swung wide and my heart thundered with blood and elation

I would soon encounter every moment, every word, a direct revelation

The song in my heart orchestrated sounds that I had never heard before

My brain was expanded and uplifted and I felt my subtle senses soar

I stepped through that doorway not looking back and closed my book

To hear with ears that could hear, see through that eyes that could look

To tell you about my new journey beyond this world, past all I have been

I'd have to give you those keys and describe the things that you've not seen

So perhaps you can go to that garden and release that old companion

Of devilish thoughts and fiendish fantasies, that illusionary minion

And you too will create the door and then I will pass you the golden key

This will be my promise to you, that one day the kingdom you will see.

- Jaylee Balch -