I stood with fear in front of the cellar door
As my father had done some time before
I remember the words he said all too well
Beyond this door none alive here can tell
I remember the night he took me aside
“Son you have given me such joy and pride
But now I must leave before I’m too old”
He recounted the words my grandfather told
“This is my day to pass through the door
I’ve taught all I know I can help you no more
I’ll follow my father for that is the way
I hope you my son will follow one day”
I stood with my son in front of that door
Those that remained numbered many a score
My son understood it was what I should do
He whispered the words “I will follow you”
Pushing the door open unsure what I’d find
My thoughts returned to my son left behind
Taking that step to the place of my choice
I heard in the darkness my own fathers voice
“You’ve shown great courage brave little mouse
Welcome my son to the rest of the house
There’s cheese in the cupboard just over there
Beware of the fat cat asleep on the stair