Jeremy McKay Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Two Exits Up Ahead

Two exits up ahead.
One to the left could go west,
One to the right could go east,
I could drive straight past
Continuing down the predictable path.

The exit on the right provides a return
route to beginnings — attempts at do overs.
The other tempts me. It is new unexplored
A place to forge forward despite mistakes or
I could just continue forward.

Going straight ahead keeping my momentum
Following the route laid out by me for me
Relentlessly marching one foot in front of the other
Accomplishing surviving plus ignoring regrets
Going forwards is best, at least that is they expect.

They are not driving today. It is my choice.
Left, Right or straight ahead. The explorer,
The part of me that thinks I am still young
Suggest left. It probably won’t kill me to take
A look. But can I glimpse and return.

The ramp on the right speaks to me
“Going to your past will not change it,
Following me to make amends is necessary
Unavoidable, if you do not take me now
I will show up again.” What is right is not always helpful.

Wondering about what could have been
I responsibly continue straight past each exit.
Hopeful the choice will come up again
So I can visit the past, heal some more
Or move on to the new and unexplored.

Jeremy P. McKay

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John Campbell May 7, 2024 at 9:03 AM A very entertaining poem Jeremy well written and presented very well .Really enjoyed it thanks.

Darlene De Beaulieu May 4, 2024 at 10:02 AM Hello Jeremy mckay, it sounds like a plan. Yet going back to the past is not always a good idea. Becausae of the hurtful pain that is felt back then. maybe can be healed or not. Enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene/

Richard Evans May 4, 2024 at 9:07 AM "So I can visit the past, heal some more Or move on to the new and unexplored" -- Amen by brother, amen! Thanks for sharing............peace!

Zyrool Gifford May 4, 2024 at 2:43 AM A beautiful write, Jeremy. Whichever way you go enjoy the journey. Have a great weekend.

Warren Cox May 3, 2024 at 11:27 PM Hi Jeremy I enjoyed reading your poem. Nicely metaphored.

Mark Anderson May 3, 2024 at 9:51 PM I hope you will continue to discover your love of poetry down any path you choose, and best of luck on your journey!

Alisha Dawson May 3, 2024 at 7:44 PM North East right Left Never eat sour watermelons is how I learned the compass ; 3rd grade ....your poem touched my heart and soul...... My unsolicited advice to you would be ... Draw your own map! Exploring your own direction And you will find exactly where you need to be!

Alisha Dawson May 3, 2024 at 7:37 PM Awesome asf

Beata Agustin February 12, 2024 at 12:50 AM Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Welcome to Poetry Soup. I welcome you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.