If I were a house
I should try to have a sturdy, well-built exterior
Which could give the illusion that it could withstand any storm.
A narrow cement pathway with flowers garnishing the edges
And tall, cavernous trees with deep roots to provide shade.
There should be a distinctive metal rail that lines the petite front porch.
There is not much on the exterior.
Most, unfortunately, stride by and disregard the house.
Those who do stop by, though, are welcomed.

The entry way, though small, is pleasant.
A charming rug would be placed in the middle
Where feet would yearn to walk on.
Décor and pictures scatter the hallways.
In the middle of the room, a spiral staircase demands attention.

Down the open hallways there are plentiful rooms.
Each of these rooms has a unique vibe
And is bright and warm.
These well-lit, transparent rooms are where the guests crave to be.
Most enjoy themselves and they tend to want to explore.
Exploration is welcomed and even encouraged.

Down one particular hallway, there are a number of rooms.
These rooms are more neglected and the doors are a bit harder to open.
At times, these rooms are derelict and abandoned,
But, occasionally, they are revisited.
Old furniture and dust occupy in these rooms.
It’s not the best place to reside,
But it’s secluded and sheltered.
These rooms are, generally, safe.

Down another hallway, there are rooms that only certain people know about.
These rooms are old, broken, and shattered.
For someone has wrecked them.
On occasion, someone follows an insider down this cloaked hallway.
These people are placed in an awkward situation.
They typically leave as soon as possible
And never venture there again.

In one of these rooms,
There is another door.
A daunting, buried door.
Only the diligent find it
And only the valiant and brave venture through it.

Once through this door--there is fragile, descending staircase that leads to three more doors.
The door in the middle is a normal door.
It is open to all who make it to this point, but no one has stayed there for long.
It is very similar to the other rooms down the staircase, but there is one core difference.
This room is bordering the other two rooms.
And the walls are thin.

The door on the left requires a key.
How does one get this key?
They have to search for it.
In the correct way.

The one on right has never been opened.
It is locked from the inside.
The few who have found it have tested to walk by it.
They have challenged to knock on it
And have dared to try to listen through it.
A couple of people have even tried to pry it open,
But it has still yet to be fully opened.

Here is where the innermost core of fear exists.
Here is where the darkness of the past haunts.
Here is where the un-healable wounds dwell.
Here is where the tears and the scars reside.
Here is where the piercing pain settles.
Here no light can penetrate through.
Here there is only darkness.
And all hope is utterly
Vanished.