DOORS

So many doors close once you pass them.

Don’t turn around to trace back

the way you came, because

no matter how you shout or weep,

those doors won’t budge a bit.

So many doors bang shut

the moment you cross them.

They propel you into dark corridors.

You have to move ahead, assuming

there might be a patch of light somewhere.

So many doors disappear

as soon as you leave them behind,

although voices keep reminding you:

Don’t forget where you are from —

those doors lead to your roots.

You have gone through so many doors

and learned to lock them with ease.

If necessary, you will throw away

the keys you are supposed to keep.

You are used to finding your way.