Transiting the gates of life

What’s a visit to Panama without seeing the canals? 13,000+ ships pass through these gates transiting from the Caribbean to the Pacific and back. Perhaps they’re a metaphor for life (are you reading this?). One gate necessarily has to close before another gate opens for these canal locks to work. Or, rather, you have to choose to close one gate before choosing to open another; for nothing would move otherwise. Every moment there are doors closing and opening, the question is how long does one want to stay locked in one room.

Massive ships move through the Canal locks at Mira Flores. The blue ship here paid $297,000 dollars toll.
Massive ships move through the Canal locks at Mira Flores. The blue ship here paid $297,000 dollars toll.