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A CHOICE OF TIME
As I strolled in forest deep today
the worn trail I'd chosen to follow
abruptly split itself three ways
just where the ridge dropped to a hollow.
I uncapped canteen and took a swallow.
The way which forked off to my right
led to a flood plain down below
where thickets kept the ground from sight
save where a stream near stopped its flow.
A beaver pond had made it so.
The center trail traced a hill side
old washes marked its middling slope
where strength and will would be well tried
and tall oaks fought off wild grapes' grope.
A bit easier trek with which to cope.
The last course veered off to the left
angling up a tame and gentle hill
of vines,ditches and logs 'twas bereft
and scattered sun fought winter's chill
whenever the wind became still.
I stood a while where trails divided
trying to fool myself I'm a young man
the choice about roughest trail decided
for age brought doubts that now I can
fight my way through that thick privet stand.
Leftward then I turned my gaze
to the easiest of varied trails
deciding to save it for future days
when legs will become even less hale
and even will power might fail.
Then I set off down the middle path
knowing, for this day, it is the best
and I could deal with the aftermath
as I shuffled my way toward the west
secure knowing I'd pass its test.
Comments
raj
Tue, 2018-03-20 15:49
Hi Stan
A good theme on how one decides on a course when faced with multiple options. Somehow to me the 5th stanza doesn't flow as smoothly as do the rest. Just my thought.
..............................
raj (sublime_ocean)
scribbler
Tue, 2018-03-20 19:42
Hi raj
the protagonist was aware he was past the age of fighting through a dense thicket. He was also too vain to follow the easiest path. So his decision was already made lol. I'll work on that 5th stanza in a day or two......stan