Number 228: Robert Frost "The Road Not Taken"

The Road Not Taken

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.

-- Robert Frost

Hap Notes: I am moving, traveling across the country with all my belongings in a '96 Neon to a new state (I'll cross quite a few of them to get there) so I'll be off the net for a couple of days. Please think a good thought as I travel with my parakeet, Etienne (who is usually called Birdie-ji). We'd appreciate it. I know the masthead is a bad illustration of Frost's roads but it's a good one of mine. Meanwhile, I'll leave you with this Frost gem.

Remember what we've said about Frost before? As charming as the surface of the poem is there are some dark vibrations in it. It is typical of Frost to be philosophical, cheery and dark. This isn't JUST about choosing your own different path because Frost says his taking this road will make both paths equally trodden upon. So his choice is only one step different-it's only slightly "less traveled by."

One step, then another, many paths later and where are you? Can you ever go back? Does Frost think one can? Is he saying that some things are unchangeable? Is his casual choice of roads all that casual? What does this poem say about our choices in life?

Here is where we have talked about Frost before- this link will lead you to the many others (I like Frost): happopoemouse.blogspot.com/2011/07/number-206-robert-frost-fire-and-ice.html

Happy Saturday to ya'll and have a good weekend. I'll be back next week. Think of this like a short summer break or a little vacation. Much love to you all!!!- Hap