poetry/prose contest!!

When you have a rusted Pearly Gate
Locked before your eyes, hands, and feet
You've got to find a way over, way around
Hire the hounds and the scoundrels
For the hints and the secret-way-ins
Ask your thieves to trick the keeper of the keys
Get your pirates to shoot their cannons
(Watch the gates continue unmarked)
Your hippies to speak of peace between the two worlds
Tunnel under, Berlin Wall-style
Only to discover the wall sinks
far deeper than you can burrow

And when all else fails
The wonder and your stars cease to impress
Be content with your loss
Accept your fate
You'll get your gold-engraved invitation
Walk in slow, with no more than humility
And little more than a smile