“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
Robert Frost
Mary Lee posed our intriguing Inklings challenge this month. She invited us to consider visual frameworks from this site and then to respond to one that resonated with us. My first draft from early in September was off-the-cuff, but heartfelt.
August arrives
the bell rings
We begin
©Molly Hogan
That felt a bit flippant though, and I wanted to dig in a bit more. In my own life I’ve recently been coming back again and again to the idea of paths. I’ve been noticing how often I take photos of paths–in the woods, along a river, on the beach, etc. Something about a path clearly intrigues me, so I searched the visual framework site and found the image below.
I’m not sure the image resonates with me so much here as the word does, so I kind of came at this all backward. Thinking of paths made me think of choices and reminded me of Frost’s poem, which I quoted above. His poem represents more of the crossroads and initial choice, but my thoughts and images are more centered around walking along a certain path that’s already been chosen. At any rate, here’s the end result of all these mental peregrinations. It feels unfinished and still needs a strong title (shocker!) but it’s what was there when I came up for air and realized it was Friday already.
I’m not so sure about Robert Frost
and his path less traveled
In truth
I feel a bit defensive
as I step along
the well-trod path before me
stopping to enjoy the view
taking some side trips and
navigating as best as I can
There’s much to be said
for blazing a new path
and I’d never be so bold
as to challenge Frost
but still…
Isn’t there value
in traveling a well-worn path?
In noticing
and nourishing
the wonder
nascent
within the known?
©Molly Hogan
If you’re interested in seeing what the other Inklings did with this challenge, visit the links below:
Heidi Mordhorst
Catherine Flynn
Margaret Simon
Linda Mitchell
Mary Lee Hahn
This week’s Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by Matt Forrest Esenwine at his blog, Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme. He’s sharing all sorts of great news, especially the release of his newest book. Make sure to check it out!
Nix the comfort zone 
Ooooo! That is one strong ending!
“Isn’t there value
in traveling a well-worn path?
In noticing
and nourishing
the wonder
nascent
within the known?”
I take a lot of pictures with Hannah in them when we are hiking. She lights up any scene. But I also like for the trail (path) to complement her. To give the reader/viewer a sense of place. Well done, MBH!
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Molly, what a gorgeous collection of paths! They are all so different. I love the collage that you created. I agree — there is nothing wrong with taking a path that someone else has blazed. In fact, it could be argued that would be a smart approach! : )
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Glad to see you kept at it and came up with two poems! Great job, too, Molly – nothing wrong with a well-worn path. 😉
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[…] Nix the Comfort Zone, Molly Hogan came up with two poems for the challenge and chose the road “more” […]
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Dan above took my words, Molly. That ending feels very wise! Sometimes, about Frost’s words, I believe that for anyone at times, to actually step anywhere is a gift, forward the goal. The first poem feels exactly true, no need for more about school starting!
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I firmly believe taking your own path might very well be on a well-worn one! Both poems resonate, Molly, as do your photos. (I take photos of paths when I run…maybe there’s a poem out there. 🙂 )
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Outstanding questions in your second poem…yes, well-worn has value. Your delicious photos really illustrate this post well. I love the well-worn tire marks through the cemetery. Such a feeling in that photo.
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You dared to challenge Frost, ha! I love it. I especially love all those path images. I’d love to use one for a This Photo. Maybe next week I can combine the photo and the visual framework as a prompt. Thanks for the inspiration. I, too, love the safety of a well-worn path.
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You go, Molly! Challenge Frost! I love it!
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Three cheers for all the well-trod, well-worn paths in our lives. Notice the WELL…these paths are not devastatingly or disruptively or destructively trod. There is love and care in the way these paths are worn…which now that I think about it can also mean “draped over our shoulders for comfort.”
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I enjoyed following you on these paths to your poem, and especially like your closing,
“In noticing
and nourishing
the wonder
nascent
within the known?”
There always seems to be something we haven’t noticed on those “well worn” paths, thanks for the journey Molly!
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I enjoyed following you on these paths to your poem, and especially like your closing,
“In noticing
and nourishing
the wonder
nascent
within the known?”
There always seems to be something we haven’t noticed on those “well worn” paths, thanks for the journey Molly!
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Like you, I often take pictures of paths. I find them so intriguing and like imagining where they might lead. Love the wordplay in your poem and yes, a well-worn path is just fine for me!
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Oh, Molly, you do take photos of paths! Beautiful images and poem. Thanks for sharing your process. Yes, there is value “In noticing
and nourishing
the wonder”
So beautiful!
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Molly, your pathways are beautifully photographed and arrange in a collage-type format. Many travel well-worn paths. I see nothing wrong with doing so because it is a comfort to know they have been trodden on.
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