The Choice

A comment made on yesterday's post by my new blogosphere friend Adriana (check out her blog here:  Classical Quest) , regarding a winter scene reminding her of Narnia, got me thinking about a poem I wrote a couple of years ago.   I talked to a professional poetry editor about this poem and she was not enthusiastic.  But I enjoyed writing it, and I still enjoy reading it.  So while this poem may not be publishable elsewhere, it seems to fit in here, and now. 

Contrary to what you might assume, this poem was NOT inspired by Robert Frost.  It was inspired by a photo that the local TV station showed in their "weather wallpaper" segment (in which viewers send in photos they've taken).  This isn't the picture, but it gives the idea.

The Choice

I stood before the path into the woods.

Its Narnian whiteness beckoned to me, yet

being loath to spoil the smooth expanse of snow

and knowing night was falling dark and fast,

I turned and said, “Another day will do.”

A small decision, hardly thought of till

an early thaw comes, and the snowy trails

turn muddy brown – and I, with wistfulness,

recall that hushed midwinter moment when

I stood before the path into the woods.

I see it still: the long inverted V

of that straight road into the forest deep,

the fenceposts frosted thick with powdered snow.

Bewitching promise of an unwalked trail!

Its Narnian whiteness beckons to me yet.

In retrospect my reasons seem so slight:

excuses not to dare.  Had evening come,

my footprints would have easily led me back

(assuming I had wanted to return).

Being loath to spoil the smooth expanse of snow?

That now seems an especially foolish thought.

Surely the fresh and untouched path desired

that some exploring foot, some questing heart,

would break the surface, plunging forth with joy.

Now, knowing night is falling dark and fast,

I vow to take the path.  So what if that

was this year’s final snowfall?  Then I’ll wait

till winter comes again and draws me in

to that charmed world.  I’ll go, brave-souled and glad,

not turn and say, “Another day will do.”

c Jeannie Prinsen 2011
please do not share or reproduce without author permission