My youngest son asked one day, where do roads begin,
I thought a minute, then I said, I guess where man first stands.
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For in each step our journey takes we move along a path,
That guides us through our earthly lives however long they span.
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But when that trail becomes a road due to others use,
We move from crowds to newer ways, seeking deeper truths.
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For in this world are many roads built by many hands,
And of this journey which you take choices build the man.
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Then he asked how he’d know which road he should take,
And if he took a road that’s wrong and made a big mistake,
Could he change where he stood,
And could it be remade?
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I looked at him and then I said, your roads I cannot choose,
But if you follow in your heart,
The rules which you’ve been taught,
Your walk my son upon that road is probably on the mark.
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He looked at me, then flashed a smile,
And said he understood,
That man-made roads weren’t his path,
But in his heart, he’d choose……
Shades of Robert Frost in a very touching poem with a wonderful message – a message that parents seem to forget to teach in this day of over indulgence. Thanks for sharing, Johnny.
Thank you Len, I remember that day my son asked me that question and have thought about it for years. He was probably about 6 or 7 at the time and I thought to myself, how profound.
Wow – you must be proud that he was seeking those universal truths at such a young age. A testament to your parenting.
I wish Len, but thank you very much. He, his brother and sister are my hero’s… JJ
Being an old dirt road son I Love this. Sage advice to start them on the journey. Well done my Friend Wise Ink.
Since he asked me that question when very small it has stayed with me. It’s amazing how such a question could be so thought provoking that it’s been on my mind for 25 years……
Having raised two kids alone I totally get it.