"The greatest power that a person possesses is the power to choose". Words to live by according to J. Martin Kohe, best known for his work as an author and psychologist. His works include three books and a record. Dr. Kohe's most popular book, Your Greatest Power has sold over 250,000 copies and can be found in the personal library of many high school and college coaches.
Robert Frost in 1916, in his collection Mountain Interval, seems to believe that once one takes a certain road, there is no turning back. The poem "Road Not Taken" is like a road itself, with a twist and a turn. It is not a long poem. When I was a student, long ago, it was a poem that we were required to memorized. Oh, the "horror"! But Frost himself warned "You have to be careful of that one; it's a tricky poem – very tricky."
The ending seems clear enough. Be careful, consider wisely, don't be a follower, your choices have consequences.
- "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
- I took the one less traveled by,
- And that has made all the difference.
The poem can be seen as showing that choice is very important, and is a thing to be considered. However, earlier in the poem Frost offered hope for those of us who don't read recipes, who act somewhat impetuously:
- "Then took the other, as just as fair,
- And having perhaps the better claim,
- Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
- Though as for that the passing there
- Had worn them really about the same,
- And both that morning equally lay
- In leaves no step had trodden black."
- Oh, I kept the first for another day
We have choices, and some work, some don't. Most choices are not catastrophic: the red or the blue, steak or chicken. One benefit of being a Catholic: three Our Fathers and three Hail Mary's often is enough to free me from guilt over some poor choices and allow me the freedom to walk the road of life again. I think Frost would agree. When asked about the ending of the poem "Road Not Taken": "It was my rather private jest at the expense of those who might think I would yet live to be sorry for the way I had taken in life."
Tom Rush is credited by Rolling Stone magazine with ushering in the era of the singer/songwriter. In addition to performing his own compositions, he covered songs by Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Murray McLauchlan, and helped them to gain recognition early in their careers. His 1968 composition "No Regrets" has become an acknowledged standard. The words, although somewhat cold, have always guided me when relationship choices have gone bad:
- Our friends have tried to turn my nights to day
- Strange faces in your place can't keep the ghosts away
- Just beyond the darkest hour, just behind the dawn
- Still feels so strange to lead my life, alone
- I've no regrets, no tears goodbye
- Don't want you back, we'd only cry, again
- Say goodbye, again
You may enjoy reading: The best pumpkin pie tastes no different than the worst pumpkin pie
See links for all the Genesis posts to date: Genesis Through My Eyes
Fortune has allowed me to come full circle and return to my earlier interest in photography. I am at that age were some weight loss would be beneficial. I certainly don't believe all photographers need to starve, but my initial goals are realistic, if not humble. The industry has changed tremendously, but the possibilities are unlimited. I am grateful that my parents' gave me a generic name. It's allowed me to explore numerous paths unhindered.
"I continue to seek exquisite beauty in my images, exploring all techniques, old and new".
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