One Direction
A mere fork,
a simple choice.
One direction or the other.
Along one trail,
majestic oaks. On the other,
moss-covered limestone formations.
Either one with its rewards,
yet, just beyond that fork
lies a disturbance,
the wrapper of sweets
consumed by another,
left with no regard for the beauty
of the surroundings.
I choose that path,
stop to right what is wrong
placing it in my pocket.
The other way can wait
for another day.
This poem is my response to earthweal weekly challenge: TURNING POINTS.
rivrvlogr 
Trash becomes treasure : poetry .
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If only that were the same every time.
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There is a green patience here, where forks and paths and choices are the sidelong gradient of doing one right thing and letting the river flow on from there. Nice. – Brendan
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Some might have chosen the other path because of the careless refuse. You chose to make it right. Love that top photo, showing harmony in nature. There is room enough for all.
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Thank you, Lisa.
The photos were taken at Runge Nature Center, in Jefferson City. From the Missouri Department of Conservation website: “Five hiking trails, including two woodchipped and three hard surface trails, totaling 2.4 miles, loop through woodlands, prairies, glades, and next to ponds and a beautiful wet-weather stream.” It’s just 5 miles from my home, and I visit at least a dozen times a year.
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Sounds so nice. Do they allow bikes in the park? None of the parks around here allow bikes on the dirt trails, but they have mountain bike trails in the UP. What a great natural resource for you.
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No bikes, but there are a couple of city parks with bike trails. There are a lot of hills around here, so I think they’d be best for BMX.
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The little things are important. Perhaps most of all. (K)
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They do add up.
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Bravo for those who pick up after the careless!
We’ve noticed an increase in litter on trails since the pandemic began, probably because more people are taking to trails to escape four walls. It’s disheartening. But a stoop now and then is good exercise, and I almost always have pocket space.
Your images here make me wish Missouri were closer!
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Thank you, Jazz.
Give me a buzz the next time you pass through, and we can meet for coffee.
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Absolutely will! Not this year but St Louis is on the list for a few of my son’s ashes. They’ll be scattered widely in places he loved.
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That sounds like me, picking up styrofoam all along the beach – no end of it. We who have forest trails to walk down are fortunate indeed.
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It’s frustrating, but it’s good to know that others are on the lookout.
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I just don’t understand the people who mindlessly trash our earth. I’m pleased you took the alternate path!
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Thank you. And here the prompt today at napowrimo.net is the road not taken.
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I enjoyed your poem. Picking up the trash while exploring the pathways through the forest is something I spend time doing too.
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Thank you, Suzanne. My hat is off to you.
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I love the choice to be part of the solution! A perfect little poem in answer to so many. I appreciate the reference to Frost, too.
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Thank you. It was an easy choice. 🙂
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