The Art Of Opening A Door Poem by Michael Joseph Ferguson

The final approach is most important

the seconds before skin meets brass

timing is everything

and that twist must be subtle yet firm

sometimes feeling a slight tug and then that satisfying snap! of the little lock undoing itself for your entry

now the big question, does it open in or out?

not to repeat any of those embarrassing moments
exiting gas stations or walking into restaurants

those painful nose-against-glass
soft shoulder against stubborn wood fiascos
that echo through your mind like
cannon fire many painfully self-reflective
minutes after.

and now, mindful to remove your hand at just the
right moment to encourage the proper velocity
of hinged wood sailing away from door jam home plate.

if done properly,
you should have the benefit of inertia in your favor
slightly propelling you forward.

Now it's just a matter of strolling...

A topic covered in-depth in previous chapters.