Ambivalence

A choice between two divergent paths in the road, 

left; a vibrant meadow, a carpet in vernal bloom;

and right, a majestic, sloping ridge of mountains

rising gently to gaze out over a tranquil lake.

It's tough to say say there's a wrong choice - some 

people might prefer the aromatic embrace of the wild,

and some might prefer the allure of endless blue.

I'm crazy enough to believe there is a third path

and that's to go straight down the middle, holding 

firm to the belief that somewhere along this line, 

I'll be able to experience both options for myself.

So while everyone else is living up their particular 

half, I'll just laugh and shake my head, catching the 

faintest scents of tulips and the slightest breeze 

of the ocean dancing in from between the distant peaks. 

And only in my heart will I admit how jealous I am of 

your ability to make such a simple decision with such

ardent conviction, to hold fast to the notion that the 

only thing worse than missing out on half of life's beauty

is to look back over your shoulder and realize too late

that you accidentally walked right past all of it.

Reviews

[LastMonth]

Reminds me of the poem 'The road not taken' by Robert frost.
Only you added a nice twist,

A third parting in the meadow. A third road to take.
One that you carve out on your own.
But there's also regret in your poem,
Most people only think about the destination, and do not enjoy the journey.

Good poem.

[Sazaku]

Huh, yeah you're right. Reading back over that poem, I can see the similarities. I guess when I read it the first time, however many years ago that's been now, part of it stuck around in my subconscious somewhere, waiting to show its head.

I think at some point or another, we all get caught up in the headlong chase towards whatever destination we're heading for. What I'm afraid of is spending so much time trying to figure out where to go, I never actually leave.

Thanks for the kind words.