The Ladder in Corvallis

My hands are full
and scarlet.
They won’t open the gate for me.
I don’t belong in there, I’m told.

I asked them why.
He told me.
I conceded.
“We’re all guilty.”

They haven’t made it there yet.
Not sure if they will.
How can I get in
if I’ve never met the king?

I turned around.
I don’t belong there.
There has to be another place
hiding between the stars.