The Judge

I walk down the cold damp cobblestone path. I head straight toward the judges' courthouse. The gas street lanterns light up my way. With every step, I feel a sense of foreboding. What looms for me in the courthouse? Who is the judge? Will he know all the steps which I have counted to arrive? As my feet pound the cobblestones they echo with the sound of eternity. Nothing but judgement lies ahead of me. I'm here...I have arrived. With my breath quick and my heart pounding, I push open the heavy wooden door as its loud creek warns me of judgement. I stand frozen, the judge and I look at each other, he motions me to come to him. With every step, I am purified. All my calamities fall by the wayside. I am finally right in front of him. He pardons me and I am forgiven. I had to come, but only on his terms.