by Toni Wolfer
HEAVENS GATE
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog had been dead for years. He was wondering where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stonewall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. Standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the streets that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, Excuse me, where are we? This is Heaven, sir, the man answered. Wow! Would you happen to have some water? the man asked. Of course, sir. Come right in, and Ill have some ice waiter brought right up. The man gestured, and the gate began to open. Can my friend, gesturing towards his dog, come in, too? the traveler asked. Im sorry sir, but we dont accept pets. The man thought a moment and then turned back towards the road and continued the way he had been going. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book. Excuse me! he called to the reader. Do you have any water? Yeah, sure, theres a pump over there The man pointed to a place that couldnt be seen from the outside of the gate. Come on in. How about my friend here? the traveler gestured to the dog. There should be a bowl by the pump. They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink for himself, and then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them. What do you call this place? The traveler asked. This is heaven, was the answer. Well thats confusing, the traveler said. The man down the road said that was heaven, too Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. Thats hell. Doesnt it make you mad for them to use you name like that? No. I can see how you might think so, but were just happy that they screen out the folks wholl leave their best friends behind.
Author Unknown