The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one Traveller, 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
I hope someday I will know on a cellular level that taking the road less traveled was without question the right one. Because now in the midst of the high grass it’s really hard to know.
Yes, I am a lit person and I interpret it differently. What is interesting is that you give a traditional interpretation but explain it with a less obvious response.
This was one of my favourite poems when I was a kid. I’ve wondered something similar too, Gianna. I decided around 10 that I wanted the more difficult but meaningful path, and I was really into Athena so I decided a life spent seeking knowledge and wisdom was most important to me — that, and having a supercool boyfriend someday.
My “spiritual emergency” and the prescription drug-induced misery and social alienation that followed definitely put me on a more difficult, less-traveled path to knowledge. I’ve wondered if I got exactly what I asked for.
For completely selfish reasons, I’m glad this is the road you took because it makes mine easier to travel.
Although… a supercool guy would be supergreat too.
Gianna, it’s the midst of the high grass where you will find your center.
I love that poem.
In my opinion, I think the road less traveled that you’re taking, Gianna, is that you are coming off of your meds likely against most medical advice and heading toward a path of holistic wellness. After your 15+ years of experience with these drugs, most people wouldn’t dare to try what you are doing.
That is brave and courageous. It is the road less traveled.
mmmm…you’re a lit person aren’t you…how do you interpret it?? I suppose I may be showing great ignorance!
Interesting interpretation of the poem, but I believe I see what you are driving at.