The Chest and the Locksmith

by Skinner G. Layne

Not many months ago
In an unsuspected way,
I happened upon a dusty chest
And took it home that day.

I dusted off the chest and lid
Then open it I tried
And found it bound by bolt and lock
So with bar and hammer pried.

It was sealed and shut more tightly
Than banks with bars of gold
So I knew there was great treasure
Stored inside its hinged fold.

For months I sat and stared at it
Wondering what could be inside
Wishing I could open it
And see what there was to hide.

When I called my local Locksmith
To see if he could help me out
He looked at the tightened bolts
And said the right tools he was without.

He said a chest so sealed shut
Was a special chest indeed
And would open itself someday
Traveling at its own desired speed.

But that when it finally opened
And I feel its internal bliss
It would be for me the thrill and softness
Of a lover's genuine kiss.

I despaired the Locksmith's words
For I do not like to wait
And wondered if I even could
To peer inside that crate.

But the Locksmith told me, "Patience,
I've seen such chests before,
And those who finally look inside
Find that which they adore."

"The wait will not be easy,
And may never seem to end,
And the choice is wholly yours
Whether with Time you will contend."

"For Time that vile robber
Who's incessantly on attack
Will thieve you of your treasure
By making you turn your back."

"He will make war upon your Spirit
And fill your mind with doubt
But you must cling to what your heart knows
And learn to wait it out."

"For one day his seige will falter
And though tired you will transcend
Rejoicing that you were victorious
And thankful you did defend."

"Then your chest will open,
And share its richness with your heart
You will forget the trials
And how long past was the start."

The Locksmith left my house that day,
And there I was alone,
But determined to heed his words
And stare down the great unknown.

Since so few things in life are worthy
Of patience and travail,
And when you finally find one
You must resolve that you'll prevail.

Another might never come along
For years or lives of man
Those other distant hopes or dreams
Mustn't figure in your plan.

The clouds may make fantastic shapes
But soon will float away,
The sands produce mirages
In the fervent heat of day.

But there is much that seems appealing
Yet never does fulfill
And though the ones that do, take time,
I've resolved to have the will.

There's no key to open that treasure chest,
And one cannot be made,
But one day it will open itself,
And I'll be elated that I stayed.