Choices...life is about choices. We choose who we become. What we see. Where we lead and follow. When we live it. Why we see it. How we breathe it. We choose what path we take in life. This journey is about twist and turns, ups and downs and occasionally the straight and narrow. When we leave the path some of us get back on just in time and some of us get lost for good. What path will you choose...or what path will choose you? I choose the path less traveled...
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
- "The Road Not Taken", Robert Frost
(Image courtesy of asma)
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5 comments:
Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken has been analyzed many times throughout the years. Most readers perceive the "one less traveled by" as the right decision. Robert Frost himself urges us to look at the words "sigh" and "difference" as a hidden meaning. The "one less traveled by" could lead to sadness and regret, according to the author. Choose wisely.
Anonymous - Perhaps you took my post too "literal". While I appreciate your sentiments and you taking the time to read my posts, if you knew me personally I don't believe you would feel the need to say "choose wisely". Ultimately, I have no regrets with any choice that I make in life - whether it ends in sadness or joy (which is simply perceptual) it all ends up coming to fruition and leading me in the right direction.
I've actually read Robert Frost since I was 14 years old (I'm 35 now) and do not not tend to read poetic works for their literal meaning, other than for research. (Although, I am aware of the two recognized interpretations of "The Road Not Taken"). In the case of this poem, Frost claims he was inspired by his friend Edward Thomas and their walks discussing literature and nature. Edward Thomas had frequently expressed/complained that he wondered what they had missed on alternate paths which were not chosen. Very simple in terms of a hidden meaning. Of course, there is no way to ever know for sure unless you are the author.
Poetry and other writings (to me) are for the beauty of my perception and interpretation. The literal/literary meaning of the author or analyzing the writing is not why I read. With this poem I have always received the message as my own personal "road less traveled" and what that means to me and me alone. So you see, for me (once again)...it will always be the right decision.
Thank you for your views. ~ Nolia...aka Rachel
...in all fairness, perhaps I took your comment too "literal". (I just realized that I wrote a book in response) Truthfully, there is no arguing that we should ALL..."choose wisely". :)
I think choosing wisely is....
whatever we do choose! ;)
T
That's exactly how I feel T...
I agree with you 100%! ;)
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