I recently came across an old collection of Robert Frost’s poems that I haven’t looked at in many years. The
weather was hot and humid (too hot
and humid for this time of year), so instead of sitting outdoors in the gazebo, I sat inside
with the AC on full blast and re-read the Frost poems. I’ve always loved “The
Road Not Taken” for its symbolisms and universal appeal. This one of American literature's best
known and most often quoted poems. There is, of course, much more to this poem
than a surface understanding reveals.
For this week’s prompt, “The Road
Not Taken” will be our inspiration poem. Before beginning, please give it a
read. Click Here to Read "The Road Not Taken." As you read, note that one of the poem’s fascinations is its archetypal
dilemma. Be sure to note that the narrator looks back, reflects upon the meaning of
choice and chance, and marks this decision as a defining moment in his life.
Ideas for writing:
Frost’s poem is about actual and
figurative roads, and the fork in the path is an extended metaphor for making
choices.
1. Write a poem about a
metaphorical road that you didn’t take. Not the choice you made, but the one
you didn’t. “Forks in the road” and “roads” seemed clichéd today, so be sure to
create other symbolisms and
metaphors for making choices that are fresh and new.
2. Write a poem about a “road not taken” in your life? Have you
ever had to make a decision and then wondered much later how making the other
choice might have impacted your life? Do you have any regrets?
3. Some analyses claim that
Frost’s poem is about lost opportunities.
Write a poem about a lost opportunity in your life.
4. Write a poem about the complexities
of choice making. How do you feel about choice and chance?
5. Write a poem about a time that you had no
choice.
Examples:
