Open the door

Open the door

If you can find the key

It is hidden

In a safe place

Locked in

A tightly closed tin

The lid jammed shut

Covered in chainmail

Armour plated

Thrown into the ocean

Settled between the jaws

Of a giant clam

Never so fiercely

Resistant to leverage

It is as stubborn

As an angry mule

Refusing to carry

Its burden any further

Heels well and truly

Dug in

Sink or swim

Drown with the effort

Of prising it open

Is it worth the trouble

The key may well be rusted

Even though it might

Be wrapped in an oiled cloth

It offers scant protection

From the incursion

Of the elements

The gradual decay

Of its definition

Subverting its purpose

Before it has a chance

To fulfil its task

If it be a turnkey

The jail has been

Well guarded

Release is not a given

Even when the truth

Is known

To dream of escape

But remain a prisoner

Of conscience

A safety deposit box

Broken open

But never cracked