Different roads offer adventure

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference

— Robert Frost

I like the work of Robert Frost. I can’t say that I’ve studied it all that closely but what I know moves me as the average man.

I’ve got to say that his poem “The Road Not Taken” has always stopped and haunted me.

I have to say there was the day when if there were two ways to get there I wanted to take the road that was less traveled even if it was going to test my tires and my suspension. There was just something about taking a different road that appealed.

Just what is over that next hill and around the bend?

The road less traveled offered the possibility of adventure, a chance to pull off the road, have a picnic or take photos of an abandoned homestead or old mine. I’ve rarely regretted taking that road even when it meant a break down or getting to the destination long after dark.

Over the years though I’ve passed up lots of chances to take the scenic route. Responsibility was mostly to blame when I didn’t. When I was younger there was all the time in the world to come back and turn to the right instead of the left. Ah the roads I was going to come back to in my youth. How am I ever going to find my way back as the shadows grow longer.

What was Frost really saying to me in that poem?

Was he urging you and I to always cut our own path and never take the easy way? Would the rewards be greater on that path?

I’m still not sure if the rewards will be greater yet. I’ve got faith that will be the case where God’s plan for me is concerned.

Is Frost’s poem about a fellow with regrets about the path he chose?

Maybe if I could take a walk with Mr. Frost down a road carpeted with yellow aspen leaves on a crisp fall day I could question him and figure it out.

I’m a glass half-full sort of guy so I’ve never much allowed regret to filter into my thinking about life. I would be lying if I said I had no regrets whatsoever but I don’t let them take over things at any time.

The road you’re on may not cut over the beautiful mountain pass or through the lovely river valley but I’ve found that if you keep an open mind every path holds its own beauty and adventure.

We may never get the chance to go back to that original fork in the road but if we stay on the road there will be another choice sooner or later.

Karl Terry writes for Clovis Media Inc. Contact him at: [email protected]