I lay siege to it. This was war and a fast and furious assault seemed the surest course. There was a front to push forward, barriers to overcome, landmines to be defused. I was young and relentless and eager; I couldn't lose. After every foray I watched the scaffolding rise again, higher and higher and each time I tore it down, waiting for the walls to fall. Eventually I tired of the advance and retreat. New orders came. I couldn't win this battle and there were other wars to fight.

Years later I returned to that once fragile country. A visitor this time: not victor and not enemy. Still fighting but in a far distant country. The scaffolding was gone. The walls rose high and strong, protecting the heart but full of windows and entrances that welcomed and beckoned and as I watched, I realized. I hadn't understood her at all. Not walls...she'd been building doors.