Two roads diverged, and I could choose but one.
I teased myself by thinking I would come this way again.
Time says otherwise.
Oh, for eyes to see around the bend—
their perils, joys, and sorrows all from here to comprehend—
if only to surmise
which to shun, which pathway worth the pain!
Two roads diverged. I made my choice. It cannot be undone.
Written for the first d’Verse Poetics challenge of 2019, hosted by Merril, in which we answer Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.” Did it make a difference to choose one path over the other? I’m not sure whether I answered the question or merely restated Frost’s poem in my own way.
Copyright © 2018 Abigail Gronway – All Rights Reserved
Scansion:
Janus
created on January 1, 2019, by Abigail Gronway
named for the Greek god Janus, who looks both forward and backward in time
largely iambic in rhythm, but some trochees are permitted
feet alternate between pentameter, heptameter, and trimeter
rhyme is mirrored: abcddcba
Dark Side of the Moon 
This really struck me…”I teased myself by thinking I would come this way again”. If only we had a chance to return to those forks in the road and try out the other paths, even if only out of curiosity.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We try it, don’t we? I know I have.
LikeLike
Oh I love how you have used Frost’s imagery here… and the feeble thought of returning again… there are two many crossroads to ponder really
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. I quite agree. And yet I’m one of those people who would wear myself out stubbornly trying to explore every path.
LikeLike
I really like how you took Frost’s poem and restated it your own way. I love the rhythm and flow of this poem, especially the way the last line sounds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Merril. When I began reading the other poems in the link, I thought I had completely missed the mark. But I’m still satisfied with the way it worked out. Thank you for the challenge. Happy New Year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The beauty of poetry–so many different ways to look at things! Happy New Year to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“I made my choice. It cannot be undone.” rings out
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, but is it triumph or regret? 🙂 Thank you for your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love where your words took me1
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Beverly. I appreciate your comment.
LikeLike
Wow! Such an awesome and moving poem!! Of course I have been in love with this theme and Frost’s poem since high school. I still have it memorized after all these years!!! You have a masterpiece here, My Dear!!!
Bellissimo!!!
xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Chuck. That means a lot.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet and commented:
Do Not Miss this awesome piece!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, how sweet! Thanks!
LikeLike
you have new insight to Frost’s famous words – which pathway worth the pain – indeed we are so afraid of shame and disappointment we choose what we know will be less painful, but only if? so well said in your own words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Gina. I was thinking of a line from the movie Princess Bride: “Life IS pain, Highness.” No matter which path we take, there will be pain… but there will be joy too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful words to bring out the essence of decision making
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting, Astrid.
LikeLike
I love the mirrored rhyming, it appears you invented this form? Cool! I have read about Janus Poems from the middle ages where the words can be read in lines across the page and down the columns to make separate poems looking in different perspectives with the same words. I love the inclusion of the weight and measure of choosing here, the subtle counting of the cost, and the nuanced attempts at attenuating the consequences until one realizes… it cannot be undone. Wonderfully crafted!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lona. I too have seen the kind of poem you are talking about, but I’ve seen them called cleave poetry, contrapuntal poetry, and trigees. I didn’t research the term Janus beyond a single database to see if it was already in use before giving my form its name. I used the name because I created the form on January 1st and because the rhyme is mirrored. Thank you for the insight you gave me. Now I’m going to dig deeper. And thank you for the thoughtful feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think what you did was brilliant
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Nice perspective: “which pathway worth the pain!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Frank.
LikeLiked by 1 person