artwork & content Copyright 2008 Jean Burman
The road less travelled (nor taken) has been much talked about. But what exactly is it? And where does it lead? Who exactly takes this road… and perhaps more importantly… who doesn’t… and why?
When Robert Frost penned “The Road Not Taken” he could not have known how much interest and speculation his poem would elicit. Although written in the first person as though referring to himself… the poem was actually inspired by his friend and walking companion Edward Thomas. Whilst walking together in the woods… Thomas would often fret about which path to take… and once having committed to the one… still wondered where the other might have led.
Aren’t we all just a little bit like Edward Thomas? ~grin~
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN – Robert Frost
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.
Whilst popular opinion reads “non-conformity” and aspirations of “forging one’s own path” into Frost’s words… Frost himself described the poem as “tricky”.
And it’s tricky all right!
In the first verse he sizes up both paths.
In the second verse he voices indecision… and acknowledges confusion (whilst one path is grassier… both appear to have about the same amount of wear)
In the third verse he chooses the path (despite both paths appearing equal)… and acknowledges regret that he would never know the other path.
In the fourth verse he speculates (into the future) about his choice… and how having chosen the path he did… it would make all the difference.
Despite the insertion of a sigh (which could be a sigh of relief or regret) he gives no hint if that difference would be good or bad. But let’s face it… even he could not know that yet. I guess it is at this juncture… more of a hopeful thought… or a wish.
This got me thinking:
Maybe the road less taken… was “less taken” for a reason? Afterall… many a headstrong bloody-minded decision was taken in the name of striking out on the independent path… sometimes in the wrong direction!
Funny how people only ever think about the other road… (and what might have been) when they are bored lost or disenchanted with the road they are on. Otherwise they rarely give it a second thought! LOL
Would things have really been much different over on that other road anyway? They would afterall… have still been themselves… albeit having been influenced and shaped by a different set of circumstances and experiences. But who’s to say they wouldn’t have reverted to type anyway… and fallen into the predictable way?
In reality I would venture to say… the road less travelled doesn’t exist. Truth is there are many many roads… as many roads as there are people out there travelling on them!
There are roads for those who would choose to fall into line along a well trodden trajectory… seeking safety in numbers… and comfort in knowing ahead of time the general direction their life will take. And there are roads for those for which this would never do!
We are each of us on our own road… and it’s a road of our own choosing… whether we care to admit it or not! It’s an undeniable fact that at some point along the road to “here”… we chose this way… and there is now no going back!
But who would want to go back? True… we may never learn what lay along the path not taken… but who really cares? Nothing is set in concrete… least of all our life’s journey!
Tomorrow is another path… a new direction… new and better choices… and different opportunities. Whichever road we are on… (and no matter where we are along it)… there will always be another fork in the road… and we should never ever lose sight of it… nor miss the opportunity to take it!
{ 51 comments… read them below or add one }
I like the cartoon Jean… a road without potholes is really a road that determines a smooth journey! Sweeping bends, sharp corners. Narrow bridges, wide bridges. Single lane, double lane. Dirt and tar. When we have a “map”… we do make decisions according to the “type” of road we travel, to reach the destination. Are we in a hurry, or do we want to have a look around? Are we looking for some place specific or… are we exploring? What if – we forge our own path??? There is no track….only an instinct that draws us in a certain direction, wether it be a means to an end or an end to a means? Lol…I feel like I should be dropping pebbles (not breadcrumbs) so that I shan’t get lost!
Whilst painting this afternoon…I considered that some of us like to visit the same road on occasion. A road that we enjoyed, where we felt safe and relaxed. A road where the scenery was pleasant and we knew what to expect – we knew the road.
I went with the flow. I was a good student; got a scholarship to an engineering school; did poorly; changed my major to political science;did well. Then I went graduate school; met the girl I wanted to marry; finally persuaded her to marry me. I retired at age 60 because the university world was changing in ways I didn’t like. My wife died in 2003 leaving me empty except for making pictures. Except for the persistent pursuit of the girl I married I never made a hard choice and never regretted the path I took.
My only regrett is that I was not careful enough with my body and got hurt…the rest is good!
Nah..I have to be honest – I do have regretts. But with every regrett, I have gratitude to match.
Well now , to get here where we live you have to dodge potholes and worse .Sometimes landslides and car breakdowns so not many (of our )visitors venture often.
Holiday times the place is hoaching but are they family or first timers ,maybe driving tanks ?
Other routes can bring you part of the way but then the final bit has to be taken unless a costly round about ferry crossing .
Our gift for this endurance is beauty,peace,and a real delight when family make it.
I could wish I had been born and grown up here …but then think of all the other delights I found elsewhere where there was smog and noise and one had to look for a green place to excercise the lungs . I am SURE I was guided in my paths even the odd kick up the behuchie to get going . I was once asked to take on a job with teenagers and asked for help .The answer came “Yes you WILL get help and we will help also”
I want my family to have the confidence to step out into the unknown having prepared to their best ……starting to haver here so will stop
Funny, for most of my life I didn’t even question my decisions–too busy raising a family, then, as they began to leave the nest, I began to realize that there was a world of roads out there with choices to be made. I guess I’ve always just done what was expected of me–no excitement there, but as I look back, I’m satisfied that the choices I made (or seemed to be made for me) have been good ones. My husband isn’t perfect, but then, I’m not either–maybe we’re perfect for each other–our children are all leading productive lives on their own, and I’m proud of them. My belief has always been that if I do my best with today, tomorrow will be ok. (Pollyanna?) As I look toward the future, I’m eager to see what’s around the bend.
I guess my regretts come from not navigating the potholes..just slamming straight through them and also not looking for oncoming traffic. But the road had taken me to some beautiful places and I have met many “interesting” travellers! Sometimes too, I was not on “my” road at all, I was helping someone else who had put down breadcrumbs instead of pebbles! I’ve also helped with flat tyres, busted windscreens and overturned vehicles – I simply could not drive on by! Due to the wonderful power of hindsight…I now know about pit stops, scenic tours and freeways! The foundations of my next road are still being built and I know where I want to go….there is a huge difference between being 17 and 44!
Thanks for your comments everyone! I am not entirely happy with the cartoon. It’s the same old problem I have with words as well… trying to say too much… and then losing the impact of the statement because of it! LOL
The potholes are just a distraction I’ve decided… the real impact of this cartoon was meant to be the precipice at the end of the road… the wide gap which divides the road less travelled from the mainstream highway. Funny how I didn’t realise this until after I had finished it! Okay… back to the drawing board. (You know me… “a piece of work” in progress!) (((LOL))) Watch this space…
Ahhh… that’s better! The cartoon’s now a bit different… but then… so am I (today)! And I guess there’s a point too… as humans we change shape all the time… according to our circumstances environment (and mood). The direction we had yesterday is still the same… but the method of getting there (the road) can shift ever so slightly over the course of time… be it a day or even the past hour! It’s kind of nice to know that by keeping an open mind… all roads do in fact (eventually) lead to Rome! (if that makes any sense at all!) (((chuckles)))
I don’t know Jean..sometimes I get REALLY tired of trying to “find another way”!! It is only my own determination that keeps any roads “open”, my determination to not remain as I am. My road feels like it has been blocked for so long now, there has in fact been another twist in the direction here. I received 2 letters this week, openly stating to “Whom it May Concern” from my GP and surgeon. The letters state that I am and shall remain disabled indefinitely. I was expecting this, however the jolt of seeing it there in black white, really threw me. I guess now there is only one option left and that is for my solicitor to go and now earn his money!!!! I am not really sure what happens next (the map does not join the next page!), I have a meeting with solicitor next week. I think this may be a whole new “subdivision”!!!
Sorry Jean..I did notice the changes to your cartoon. I like both of them!!
Jools ,I have a card from a lady who sells them in aid of children in India …its a wee booklet with the title “Prayers of submission” Earlier I don’ think I would have subscribed to this kind of thinking BUT when I do I’m not so fussed and all things will pass. Hunker down stop fretting and that lawyer can do his bit now ………
Jean that cartoon shows our road to perfection over the hills and far away .
Jool’s QUOTE “I received 2 letters this week, openly stating to “Whom it May Concern” from my GP and surgeon. The letters state that I am and shall remain disabled indefinitely” UNQUOTE
What a cop out that is on the part of these two so-called professionals. Jools… you already know “it ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings”. Nature is the ultimate healer and sometimes we need to get the professionals out of the picture so that she can do her job. Keep your eyes and ears open to alternative therapies and never lose faith that you will again be well. “Believing it will be so” plays a major part in the healing process too. It sure is a bumpy road you’re on… but you’re going to be okay… (okay?)
Elinor – I feel like I have been waiting and waiting!!! I also feel that soooooo much time has been wasted and that is what is getting to me. I have never ever been one to sit around and wait for time to pass..I am a doer and I miss “action”!! It is a mixed bag of feelings here. I am pleased that the whole process of being tested like a rabbit or guinea pig is over (do not fear..I shall be pursuing other “alternative” treatments when I am financially able!!) and I can concentrate on NOT stressing about that part anymore!! I WILL find a way I promise!!!!
Jean – I have indeed been on many bumpy roads that have taken me to all kinds of places..but that was always my choice! This road however, has invisible speed humps and it only goes one way!!! I am feeling quite odd in that, this road has been an underground tunnel..no scenery, but lots of detours, road works and traffic lights that don’t work!!! I have more trust and faith in mother nature and my own instincts than ever! Thankyou dear friends for lifting my chin up off the floor!
Jools… how about getting into the water? I know it sounds weird especially coming up winter and all… but if you could just get yourself into a heated pool and get the weight off that leg it would be great. Gentle exercise might even be possible. Also deep warm baths… lots of em… with 1/2 box of epsom salts added. You’ll need help getting in and out… but baths can be very soothing and again… gets the weight off that leg giving it more opportunity to heal. Just another random thought… (I tend to have lots of ‘em!) LOL
Oh Jean… I would like nothing more than sinking myself into a deep, warm, frothy bath!! But..like you said, I need help to get in and out ! I am looking for the appropriate “aide”!! Lol! I did have a friend who took me swimming (or in my case floating!!) a couple of times during the summer and it was wonderful – a sense of freedom prevailed! We do have an indoor heated pool here in Orange..I shall work on that! Keep those random thoughts coming!!!!!!
Hey,hey there Jools strapping attendants to heave you in and out of the water ….probably too young for you now that you are aged Grin . Hasselhoff huh?
Hey… Hasselhoff would do!!! Lol!!!
Wow! So much to consider and ponder here…It’s why I haven’t responded until now…
I love the cartoon Jean! It conjures up so many different thoughts for me. Often times I sense a deep chasm between my road and the main one. And then there is that person standing beside the busy freeway taking the time to coach the stranded individual in finding the way, (that would be my husband, I think…as well as my artist friends world-wide!).
And then there is this sense of fear it evokes…would I really want to jump that chasm and become swept away into the fierce currants of mainstream?! Hmmm.
You said, “In reality I would venture to say… the road less travelled doesn’t exist.” I wonder though if the road less travelled is the only road that exists for we are such creative beings that it would be nearly impossible to duplicate the journey of another. I have to say…I DO have regrets. And if I were to start over I might have chosen some different paths. But all in all…life has been very good to me and I am thankful for that, (perhaps I did make the right choices after all…)
Jools, I so feel for you!!! I wish I could help. Doctors don’t know everything…and often, instead of just admitting their ignorance will dismiss a case as incurable…and leave it at that. How frustrating! I think Jean’s water therapy is a great idea. I imagine keeping your limbs moving is vital! Water will ease the pressure and stress and keep your motabilism going…which is crucial in keeping your mental health normal. Keep faith. We’re behind you!
Hi Mary…thankyou so much!!! Even though I know there is much support and caring thoughts for me, at times I feel so alone with this and also feel guilt for pushing the topic of “me” too hard!! yesterday I got a “bee in my bonnet” about getting better and tried to do too many things…the end result being a very restless and painful night!!! The thought of swimming without weight on that leg of mine is sooooo peaceful and fluid. I just have to co-ordinate and organise others to help me (that is about the only time I get shy!!!) But it is certainly on my list of “to do’s”! My “wobbly” moments are always soothed by reading comments like yours (and others who care enough to let me know!)
My reaction to your hesitancy of jumping into the mainstream traffic flow is mixed. I used to say “Just close your eyes and jump in!”…if you have someone to help you look for those oncoming trucks then I say…go for it!! But…if you are jumping alone and without a guide..you must keep those eyes open and be aware of the speed of that road! You will miss out on many things, but you could get to your dreams….or you could stay there where you are and always wonder “what if?” If there is a break in the traffic and you have your support there coaxing you to enter..I’d do it!
At the conclusion of my one-man play about architect Frank Llyod Wright, I have Wright recite the poem (he knew Frost). It seems appropriate, for a visionary artist who so often journeyed alone on the “road less travelled by.” As Wright looks back on his life he recognizes that even though there is much he may have missed, his choice was inevitable for him, and right. It wasn’t an easy road, there were indeed lots of potholes, but it ncouldn’t have been different. There’s a sigh, but no regret.
That is actually quite calming John..probably the best way to look at life really, takes away the anxiety of “right or wrong”…I think I shall take that onboard!
As I mentioned earlier, while raising our family I didn’t even think of “other roads” and what one of those I might have taken, but later, I had the occasion to travel to visit our oldest daughter who was living in Arizona–Suddenly while on the flight, I was struck by a sudden feeling that I didn’t know who I really was. I had married soon after highschool, and had never really done anything “on my own”. I suddenly questioned “WHO I REALLY WAS” if not accompanied by parents, husband or children. I suddenly felt that I was only truly whole when with them, and questioned just WHO I was going to discover myself to be when on my own. (Sounds silly I suppose, but I felt true panic.)During the whole visit, I felt that a part of me was watching from outside to discover the answer. Tears of relief came on the flight home, as I sifted through events of the trip and acknowleged that I’m simply ME, that I’m ok whether alone or not, and no matter what else I might have chosen to do with my life, I would still be me, just with different memories. There have been potholes of course, and some that I could have handled much better than I did, but life is a learning experience and we are not provided with a book of directions, so we do the best we can. I think MY road less taken will be in my “next life” (LOL) and my hair will be curly!
Lol..thats cute Anita, that you want curly hair!!! Actually that is quite a magical moment for you to discover that fact and then come to terms with “who” you are…no matter what your navigational skills are (or the appearance of your hair!! Lol)
I could have married three times (yep..actually got to having a ring on my finger!!!), but am glad that I didn’t take that plunge..as things would have turned out differently. I have never made plans (only which “real” direction I take on which road!) and have left my door open to what ever may “blow in”. I have wondered many times..”Am I a writer?.Am I an artist? Am I a gardener?…but, I am all of them and I love that! My father used to call me his “happy wanderer” and I really loved that too (it did upset my mother however!!!) I would ring him up from where ever I was and tell him all about that place..it was about the only time he listened to me intently..Lol! Now..I see that all of those mad and wild experiences have come together to make me who I am (including my “dicky leg”!) today. And…more than ever I want to share all of that..I’m pretty sure I know where I am heading. Its almost like I am being pushed. A book, with all of those memories and knowledge! I have been toying with the idea for such a long time…but did not consider that my writing was strong enough or that the theme of the story was interesting enough. Ha!!! I should take my own advice and just jump in – I have nothing to lose and everything to gain!! That first step is always tricky though!!! I feel like I should be thanking everyone for helping me to get to this point! My thanks shall come out in my finished “product!”
Jools… it’s surprising how very little you need to stitch together a great story. It’s not the volume of “content” I suspect… so much as the way the words are stitched together and woven into a fascinating “must read”. I hope you get to write that book!
Thanks Mary… so pleased you liked the cartoon!
I think that’s right John… just as FLW found… many of our “choices” are inevitable.
Anita… you are so right… life would have been much easier with a book of directions at the outset! Esp. for women… whose identity is (necessarily) so often inextricably linked to relationships with partners parents children etc.
Looking back… it sometimes seems to me that our direction is entirely determined by the experiences we have… and the particular opportunities that happened to come our way. Sure… we decide which opportunity we will run with… but if the opportunity never presents itself in the first place… then that direction will not be an option. We can go out searching… but there are no guarantees we will find what we are looking for… (even if we have a clear idea of what it is). Most often the choices are determined by chance. A chance meeting… being in the right place at the right time… knowing someone who knows someone else. Maybe we don’t really get to choose at all!?
Either way..it does not come easily!!!!
Of course not Jools… and that goes for each and every one of us I guess
Book of reference ? Dr whatsisname was it Spock ? Came out with some right nanas re childcare and I was so glad when I read it that I was already past the ages he was spouting on ………Of course as soon as I started to type the details skipped off into the ether……Come to think of it How did we older people survive Huh?
I think that there is way too much influence from the media Elinor. Movies, advertising…instant information that can confuse and obliterate reality. I am soooo glad I am not a teenager now. I look ay my girls and consider their choices…yes there are many, but perhaps there are too many!!! I like shopping at a particular supermarket because I know where evrything is and also because there is a “better range” . I look at the choices for my girls and it a similar feeling..Lol! But with that comes the down side of too many choices..too many roads to choose from. In the end I see many young people feeling defeated as they cannot choose. They seem to stand still (except for the trembling from the fear of making a bad choice!) The world is crampacked with ideas and complications…simplicity is what I desire! Also the competition is ferocious, which makes the whole procedure even more terrifying. Years ago, just getting a job that would last and pay the bills was paramount.People kept their jobs for their entire life. Now…people change their career paths every 10 yrs (so the stats say!). I am not saying that is a bad thing (heavens..I have changed my job many times!!!!!) but it has evolved from being a sustainable career, to a smorgasboard! To be a youth and trying to decide what to do nowadays is an immeasurable (spelling?) leap!
Jean…I think I HAVE to write that book! lol!!!
You are right on Jools. Too much choice has become a stumbling block for many young people. It was comparatively easy for us… the motives for gainful employment were different back then. My three are at various stages along the road to making those crucial choices right now… so I am presently in the thick of it all! It’s difficult not to get swept away in the excitement… who knows I may go back myself and retrain! This week I have a yen for behavioural economics… *wink* LOL
The best thing about career paths these days is that they are relatively flexible. And as you rightly point out… people are not expected to train for a career and then stay put until retirement… as was once the case. Although some careers are more set in stone than others. I have a friend who is a GP. He told me once that he sometimes wished he could do something different… but what could he do? He was trained to be a doctor… and he knows nothing else. To start over again might seem attractive… but with family and financial commitment… the practicality of a major career change was not on the cards anytime soon. Perhaps his children will see a whole different reality in their chosen career paths.
Still… I have always thought it somewhat strange… and have often wondered about the role “chance” has to play in our (apparent) decisions. Some seem to lead a charmed existence… moving seamlessly along from success to success… whilst others who were equally committed and equally hard working just never got the breaks. Funny that.
Jools, what you say about your life sounds fascinating. You should definitely write that book. Elinor, I also missed out on Spock–not sorry, from what I’ve seen develop from some of his devoted fans. Times were more simple then, I think. I don’t envy parents these days. It seems that danger lurks in so many places that didn’t even exist a few years ago. Pretty much the same dangers that existed when we were raising our families, but multiplied many times over mostly due to the media and internet (imho).
Thanks Anita!!! I shall send you a signed copy!!!!
The rules and regulations for raising children (in my book…pardon the pun!!) are to teach them honesty, integrity, patience and tenacity. To work towards a dream – nothing falls into your lap! Its true what you say Jean..re: some people lead charmed lives and others of the same calibre are plagued with an ongoing battle. I think the old saying “Its not what you know…but who you know” ,that quite often comes into play and ofcourse having that serendipitous moment, of being in the right place at the right time – which could also be as simple as following your gut instincts. I think that because we flap around so much and try to be “perfect”, we miss the shiver down our spine or the sense of ‘push’ that an instinct gives. That feeling that comes with confidence, and you can only have confidence if you are sure of yourself..around and around we go! The lure of an impressive wage often delays or totally obstucts some young people from what they could be doing well, rather than struggling and fighting for air in a race to be the “most impressive”..they could be surging ahead in something they truley love! What do they want out of life, where do they see themselves half way through???? I have to admitt, my only vision as a teenager was to have a small farm with a few kids hurling around the place. A beautiful big garden and a studio for me to …..write!!! But I also wanted to see the world at the same time!!! Lol!
Well Jools nowadays you could do it “Have laptop can travel ” so get on with it I for one am keen to read it even in installments please
Lol E!! So pushy! Ok..ok!
Well Jools when push turns to shove just watch out hehehe
Working under pressure…my favourite thing! (big cheesey grin!!)
Can’t get “into” it just yet! There is a new highway under construction at the moment, I have to decide which way I shall go! This road is called “Drs and Lawyers Underpass!” New “stuff” has come to light and I have to be alert! Jean….where did the “fat lady” go..there’ll be no singing from her yet!!
Jools… all you can do is relax into it and just go with the flow. (There have been roads at every turn this week! LOL) Oh and btw… the fat lady has laryngitis at the moment… so there’ll be not a squeak from her! LOL
Lol…good on you Jean!!!
I have some excellent news..believe it or not!!! I just need to revel in it myself!
Ok…what a difference a day makes to roadworks!!! The first piece of excellent news I want to share is – my financial burdens shall be relieved with the input of a much higher and fairer maintenance assessment for one of my girls from her father!! Yahoooooo! I put in a complaint about the “condition” of this road back in January, yesterday I got the news of the “upgrade”. Just that news in itself was enough to lift my spirits to the highest level in months and months! Then…..there was a phone call from solicitor advising me that he had written a long and lengthy letter to my surgeon requesting a more detailed explanation of my physical condition..a probability report, which will not incriminate any Drs and will become the reason I can move on along the highway!! Aaahhh!!! The fog is lifting and I can see where I am heading!! I can also relax a bit and draught a map for other roads I have been wondering about!!
Great news Jools! I have good news and bad news too this morning. Yesterday my ‘puter up and died. It was a sudden passing… totally without warning. I was writing a new article… got up to answer the phone… went back and… nothing. Dead as a dodo. As fate would have it WordPress updated their programming just last week and auto save kicked in to save the day… so all was not lost. Also as fate would have it… I have long been dreaming of a brand new MacBook Pro… so… finally! Events of late remind me of that Alannis Morrisett song “Ironic” and oh boy… isn’t it? LOL
It is ironic Jean! What we wish for rarely comes in the way we expect!
Jean and Jools. Yea!!!!! You two deserve a happy twist in events!
Thankyou Mary!!! My father always used to say “You have to have a win every now and again!!”
Perhaps Jean is learning how to “fly” her new MacBook Pro????
LOL Jools… how did you guess? Very frustrating day yesterday… wrote the article 4 times and each time when I went to save it… the connection timed out (problems with the wireless router) and I lost the lot! I still have the bones of the article though… so (feeling fresher and a little less demoralised this morning) I should knock it over in no time at all. Technology… sheesh… when it’s good its very very good and when it’s bad it’s horrid! (((LOL))) See you all very soon…
Cool bananas Jean…have missed you!!