Notes About The Poem

for Hilo Poet's Contrast Poetry Contest

It tried to pattern my poem's form after Robert Frost's, 'The Road Not Taken'.

On Leaving my State versus if I Had Stayed

I left my state to study afar.
A church college lured me to go west
where it’s so dry and no fireflies are.
But I was young and followed no star
that could lead me to what would be best.

I left with no really firm goal.
A psychology major I’d thought
to pursue. My apathetic soul
got off that bus. A different role
I took when a new bus I caught!

Off this new bus, I found myself flung
onto a path I had never thought of -
to ESL teaching I then swung.
Also I fell into marriage quite young
and always lived far from kinfolk I love.

What if I had never moved away?
Was my aimlessness part of my fate?
Would I be happier living today
where all through my youth I used to play?
One can’t know what one can’t recreate.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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mysore Avatar
July 13, 2024 at 4:01 AM
'One can’t know what one can’t recreate' so well written, beautiful write dear poet, rhymes clink cool! Congratulations, Happy writing.
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 8:28 PM
Thanks, Thriveni.
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
July 13, 2024 at 3:05 AM
No back of the bus seat for one whose future hold. Mahalo, my friend, with your participation in the contest and win, Aloha, William
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 8:28 PM
Thanks so much, William
Thomas Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 1:08 AM
This is a nicely rhymed and metered poem, something I appreciate. It takes time and effort to get those right. I like that this poem so well illustrates that the choices we make affect our entire lives, but we have to wonder if we were predestined to do certain things and become a certain thing.
Dietrich Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 10:52 AM
thanks, I probably should have chosen something more easy to contrast, but this is what came to me. I think of this sometimes and wonder if life would have been better in my home state.
Wolf Avatar
June 26, 2024 at 6:39 PM
Interesting 'journey' there, Andrea... Did you know that I taught ESL for 30 years? (Don't miss it a bit either. lol). :) gw
Dietrich Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 10:52 AM
you don't miss ESL?? I guess you didn't work at a nice school like mine. haha
Romios Avatar
June 25, 2024 at 2:34 PM
Destiny called me to leace humic, crime ridden Chicago, You know enough about me unless you know I am so glad I moved. Where did.. Everything once I got here it was like one group falling on another exact right places. I’m glad I love the Windy City. Good idea for your contest and I’m glad that your life turned out the way it did sounds good to me Good idea the frost form. Good lck. Pangie Pangie.
Dietrich Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 10:53 AM
thanks, Pangie. I think our fate is pre-known by God. We do what He expects we will do!
May Avatar
June 25, 2024 at 2:13 PM
Destiny took you on a different path, it's tough when family are not close by.
Dietrich Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 10:54 AM
yes, it was the biggest concern for me.
Empress Avatar
June 25, 2024 at 11:14 AM
So many times we all go through those moments where we ponder, so many what ifs. Psychology major, something in common of interest, for you and i soul aunt! Well i did psych major and i always wanted to do it. No wonder you are a very kind and empathetic person that likes to show interest in others. Its always an engaging poem from you, and what i really love about his poem is the cadence! Such a beautiful rhythm! Pleasure reading your sincere thoughts, you are very brave: best wishes
Dietrich Avatar
June 25, 2024 at 1:06 PM
yes, despite our differences, we also have a lot in common, sweetie. I probably did not do this contest exactly right, but I couldn't really think what else to contrast that mattered to me. Thanks for your comment.
Daniel Avatar
June 25, 2024 at 5:15 AM
A nice take, Andrea:)
Dietrich Avatar
June 25, 2024 at 1:08 PM
thanks, Joanna
Rolland Avatar
June 24, 2024 at 7:07 PM
who knows ? you would have an other life, better not to regret, a very concerning ( I have same questionning often) and touching poem, thank poet
Rodrigues Avatar
June 24, 2024 at 6:04 PM
We are who we are along the way. We are shaped as we go. That is just the way. shrug…shrug. xx
Dietrich Avatar
June 25, 2024 at 1:07 PM
yes, things shape our ideas, that's for sure. It makes me wonder how I would stand with certain opinions I now have regarding life and the world if I had stayed back in the midwest.
Bauer Avatar
June 24, 2024 at 2:31 PM
You bring up an interesting point, Andrea, in a very poetic way. Yes, we can never know how one decision would have changed our lives in so many ways…
Dietrich Avatar
June 24, 2024 at 4:29 PM
Thanks, Ilene.
One Avatar
June 24, 2024 at 1:19 PM
Reminds me of the movie, sliding doors.. nicely done Andrea..
Dietrich Avatar
June 24, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Yeah I heard of that movie. Is it the one that lets the viewer on Netflix determine different directions the story will go?
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