“The Road Not Taken” is a classic poem by Robert Frost that explores the theme of choice and its consequences. The poem is written in a simple yet powerful style that resonates with readers of all ages.

Frost uses the metaphor of a traveler journeying through a forest to represent the journey of life. The traveler comes upon a fork in the road and must decide which path to take. The two paths represent the different choices we make in life, and the traveler’s decision to take the less traveled path symbolizes the choice to take a risk and follow one’s own unique path.

The imagery in the poem is rich and evocative, with Frost’s use of words like “yellow wood” and “falling leaves” creating a sense of natural beauty and transition. The poem’s rhyme scheme and meter add to its overall musicality, creating a sense of movement and rhythm that reinforces the theme of journey.

The poem’s message is timeless and universal, reminding us that the choices we make in life have consequences that can shape our destiny. Frost’s exploration of this theme through the metaphor of a traveler in a forest speaks to the human experience in a way that is both relatable and profound. “The Road Not Taken” is a masterpiece of American poetry that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.

One of my favorite poems. It is interesting to look back on a lifetime of crossroads from the perspective of old age. The choices that I made over the years led me to the place I am today. I’m not complaining about the paths I chose to take, but I can’t help but wonder where those paths not taken would have led me. My fantasy of the afterlife is being given the chance for a do-over to find out. That would be heaven to me.

Here in my current world, life continues apace. I did my standard solo Thursday walk through the Naugsol valley and did not encounter any divergent roads, but I did take note of the several bridges I crossed.

And then my day took a turn for the worse.

So, Mary needed additional funds for some end-of-year project or another at school. I found that a little off-putting since I’d already given her money this week, but whatever. They were only having a half-day session yesterday, and she said she’d come for lunch (and the cash) at 1:30. So, I decided to do something special.

My timing was pretty near perfect; everything was ready and waiting at the appointed hour. And there it sat. I messaged Mary at 1:40, asking where she was. “On a Jeepney,” was her reply. Why didn’t you just take a trike? “I went home after school.” WTF? She couldn’t even be bothered to message me that her plans had changed. I found that both rude and disrespectful. Needless to say, it ruined my mood, and when she finally arrived a little after 2:00, I just put the money down on the table next to her plate and ate my lunch.

I wasn’t exactly rude to Mary, but I wasn’t my usual friendly self either. When she was done eating, I packed up her leftovers and sent her on her way unaccompanied. We have had a standard “date” every Friday these past few weeks, and I told her this afternoon that I would be taking a break. It just may be that I’m not cut out to be the Sugar Daddy I thought I could be. I don’t expect to be worshipped or placed on a pedestal, but damn, showing a modicum of appreciation doesn’t seem too much to ask. We’ll see how I feel about it next week.

After Mary departed, I baked some brownies to take to Jen at Whiskey Girl as a belated birthday offering. I packed in some Oreo (yep, I initially typed an “a” again) cookies to make sure there was enough dessert to go around. I arrived a little after the 5:00 p.m. opening and was the only customer. Jen took my drink order while I perused the Shamobli’s pizza menu on the table. She brought my beer and sat down beside me. I asked if she was hungry, and she said, “no.” I gave her the brownies and cookies, and she thanked me and then set them aside. You’re not going to share them? No, she wanted to take them home with her.

Well, it was her gift to do with as she pleased. I had anticipated a party among the girls with some pizza and sweets, but apparently, that’s not the type of relationship the girls have at Whiskey Girl. Very unusual. So, I set about taking full advantage of the “buy one, get one” happy hour pricing and kept Jen’s drink glass full too. I wasn’t in the best of moods, and Jen noticed that right away. She gave me a cuddle and a back rub to relieve my stress.

I stayed long enough to pay for three beers and drink six, then said goodnight to Jen and departed. Crossed the highway successfully and made Sloppy Joe’s my nightcap venue. Chris and his girl were just leaving and invited me to join them at the Annex Bar. I briefly considered it, then declined because I didn’t feel like making the longish walk and crossing the highway again to get there. I had a couple more beers and watched the traffic roll by. Oh, the food vendor from Wednesday’s Blue Butterfly spoiled goods episode stood outside but had the good sense not to approach me. Yep, I was still in a sour mood.

Grabbed a trike home, had some carrot cake with vanilla ice cream (fuck the diet), and watched some more Lucifer. Just a few more episodes to go.

While doing my title search for this post, I came across something I had written back in 2014 about the difference between racism and ignorance based on an incident at an establishment in Itaewon (Seoul). Heh, back then, my blog wasn’t the lame diary it has become. I guess I took one of those roads Frost was talking about or something. Or a detour.

Okay, time to get ready for my solitary Friday night. There is an SOB in my future. And beer. Lots of beer.