Dialogue at the Door

I had no intention

of coming this way again,

but here I am. Do you

still have light for me?

Yes, but not as bright as before.

And the darkness?

Not as deep and dense.

Expect sleep to be

foreshortened, dreams more shallow.

Has this place become

more narrow, then, than it was?

No; in fact, much wider,

but air is thinner.

Muscles of mind and body

have to breathe harder.

Well, then, shall I come back in,

as if beginning once more?

Dear old friend, it's not

your choice. You must.