By Angela Larson
Date: 22 January 2000

Joy From Beyond

A wall stands erect and firm
like a thousand years.
Bricks cling to one another
as if afraid to lose something
through its cracks - -
Thus it stands . . . free, yet alone.

Nearby a small boy watches
intently and patiently
and in time
gains deep understanding and compassion.

Day after day his desire grows
to go beyond its borders.
With fear yet greater courage
he approaches the wall
and asks to have just a moment
within its limits.
A sadness seems to penetrate from beyond
as if to understand - -
yet can not answer.

With great devotion
the boy begins his search.
He tries to climb
but time has smoothed the grip
from the bricks.
He runs at length with great hope
to find an end
but discovers the wall is connected
on all sides.

Deeply hurt and exhausted
the boy sits beside the wall, leans against it,
and as he rubs his hand across the smooth bricks,
he weeps -- love overflowing.

Suddenly, through blurred vision
he sees a tiny light
seeping through a small crack between the bricks.
He wipes his wearied eyes and studies the crack - -
discovering it continues along the bricks
indicating a possible opening.

He puts his weakened hands against the wall
and pushes firmly but gently.
With a little effort, the cracks grow wider
and great bursts of light show through.

With indescribable joy
the boy forgets his past heartache
and cautiously enters between the cracks.
He is engulfed by the overwhelming light
and the cracks close;
leaving no trace of scars behind.

On the outside, the appearance of the wall
begins to brighten - -
Never again to experience
such Happiness.