The Road Taken

Two paths diverged into the woods. Two friends stood at the fork.

The first was a romantic and he took the road less traveled by. He had read Frost and thought this was wise. He came out at the other end, battered by hardships. He was stronger, different and wiser but also badly battered. Friends and family seeing what they saw were appalled and grieved this fall from grace. A handful considered him wise while the community proclaimed him mad, a waste of potential. He had followed his passions and in his heart was content and inside he was happy as he could be. Sometimes a crowd would gather around him as he told his stories, inspiring some of them to follow their passions just like he did.

The second, took the other road. His daddy had asked his friends who in turn had inquired of their connections and people at high place. Verdict was that the one less traveled is overrated. He came out at the other end, glowing the soft pink of good nutrition and great health, smug as smug can be. In a gesture of acknowledgement to this achievement the reign was handed over to him. Once in a while he would peek out of his high-castle to huge applause and in a strong rousing speech implore the masses to work hard and follow their passions just like he did.

/* This is the first in a planned series of bi-weekly posts attempting to paint the world in black and white. */