The Road(s) Not Taken

The Road Not Taken

in my city

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

 in the morning

I remember this poem well from middle school though its meaning has changed much since.  As a kid, the school taught us to take the road less traveled because while it may be unfamiliar and challenging, the poem implies that the road less traveled would lead to some ultimate success. 

near night

I look at this poem in quite a different way today.  I find the poem to be an appropriate metaphor for the roads I’ve run and the journey I’ve traveled.  We’ve all stood at so many forks in the road and stared at decisions big and small.  As a runner, I’ve stood at many forks in the road that lead to all directions.  These forks often lead to more forks in the trails, in a new neighborhood, and in life.  Should I run towards the familiar route or up that hill with the wild flowers, or toward the bay near the ocean?  Should I run the big city race or in a unknown small town in Tennessee?  Twenty six point two or a hundred? 

on the path

These days I often choose the road less traveled.  Have these roads made me more successful?  Not really... in the traditional sense.  However, the road less traveled has given me much in many other ways.  It has helped me to open my eyes and heart to new experiences and enrichment.  I’ve seen the color of sunsets and shadows of trees and buildings.  I’ve smelled the sweetness of strawberry fields and felt the stings of cold hard rain.  I’ve kicked around dust with incredible, amazing, inspiring people along the way.  I’ve spent important time alone and with my family on the run. 

with the kids

with new friends

These are priceless, irreplaceable experiences that I found on the road less taken.  Take the road less taken and you will be surprised at what you find on the journey and within yourself.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time, (with eyes and heart open)

Jeff

2/13/2014