The Door - Part 5

There is another reason why I stand there.
Some people get part way in and become afraid
lest God and the zeal of His house devour them;
for God is so very great, and asks all of us;
and these people way inside only terrify them more.
Somebody must be by the door to tell them that they are spoiled
for the old life, they have seen too much:
once taste God, and nothing but God will do any more.
Somebody must be watching for the frightened
who seek to sneak out just where they cam in,
to tell them how much better it is inside.

The people too far in do not see how near these are
to leaving - preoccupied with the wonder of it all.
Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door,
but would like to run away.
So for them, too, I stand by the door.

Samuel Moor Shoemaker