A strange gate stood bold before me. A large metal loop that folded intricately in on itself, dragons twisting into the metal folds, their faces graceful and strong.
I had gotten lost at the festival and began to wander around the backstreets, exploring the streets before I came across a large set of stone steps.
I had hesitated to begin with, something about them felt ominous. Perhaps it was the cool moonlight that lit my pathway with such peculiar purpose, or it was the quiet rustling of trees making me realise I could no longer hear the noise of the festivities though I was sure it was only a couple streets away. Then I started walking.
I took each of the steps curiously, watching the shadows on the sidelines, my senses hyper alert. There was very little breeze but I felt it caress my face and gently move strands of my dark hair away from my face. While it was so very quiet around me I could hear by jacket rubbing against itself as I moved my arms, my breathing becoming heavy as I walked more and more of the steps, my heart beating loudly in my chest as the anticipation grew.
The stairs seemed to go forever, I had begun staring at my feet to avoid learning how much was still ahead of me. I looked up again, ready to turn back and return to my friends that were likely looking for me only to see the end ahead of me, a warm light inviting me to complete my climb. With renewed enthusiasm I bounded up the steps.
Now here I was, this strange, beautiful, intricate statue before me. I admired the craftsmanship of each scale along the dragons bodies, the claws that seemed regularly polished and sharpened. The dragons looked me straight in the eye, daring me to turn back after coming so far. A challenge to proceed.
I straightened my back, dropped my shoulders and puffed out my chest as I feigned the confidence I required to step through the Dragon Gate. What met me was what I least expected.
Nothing was different since stepping through the gate. There was just a grey mucky building that looked like it could collapse any moment. I approached disappointed. I had wanted an adventure, something new and different. Something that could change me and decided my wonderful future. All I got was a dying building.
Upon closer inspection I could see that it was a Japanese styled temple. I walked along a deck, noticing several thick, frayed ropes that were lined up along the centre reaching to bells on the roof. I knelt down in front of one of the ropes, placing my palms together. It felt like the right thing to do in order to pay my respects to the Gods and priests that looked after the temple.
Though disappointed by my discovery, I decided to pray while I was here. To new beginnings, fresh starts and becoming the person I dream I can be, it’d also be great if I could have some extra cash this year... I laughed at myself for the selfish requests and stood, grabbing the aged rope and swinging it to ring the bell. The sound was deep and serene, the vibrations running through my body like an internal embrace. I stood in silence, momentarily filled with such immense joy and peace I didn’t want it to end.
The sound rang out through and my surroundings returned to it’s grey oblique state. I clapped my hands together and bowed in a final show of respect before walking off the deck and back towards the entrance gate. The dragons on this side seemed gentle, happy and almost thankful as they danced around the circle shape of the gate. I smiled, suddenly elated and full of confidence, ready to run down the many steps that awaited me. I passed through the gate, no longer feigning the confidence I was not minutes before, only to realise there was no more than one set of stairs that awaited me. Confused I looked around for the set that I had once battled with but the entire area was covered in trees.
Behind me where the unstable temple once stood was a pathway that curved around the trees, warmly illuminated by street lights. A couple walking hand in hand came laughing around the corner. I followed the pathway, music and chattering growing louder as I walked, step by step until I returned the enjoyment I had run from earlier.
Vibrant red dragons danced around me, twirling to the chaotic, fun music that played loudly. Their bodies long and majestic, they moved from side to side as if they were flying through the dark sky, movements full of energy, the epitome of freedom. I could feel the anticipation of the crowds that gathered, feel their hope for the new year ahead as I blended in.
Written the 15th of March 2019.
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