Familiar Landscapes

The snow falls lightly from the gray blue sky creating a film of white over the long dead grass. The trees are frost covered and shiver from the cold icicles that cover their limbs. I stand bundled in my wool winter coat, my scarf is wrapped securely around my throat and my hat is pulled low over my ears. Shifting my backpack from one shoulder to the other I attempt to block the wind blowing at my back. Stray locks of hair play across my face as I stare at the obstacle before me. The road has diverged into two paths and I am at a loss as to which one I should take. 1

Staring down the path to the right I scrutinize what I see. It’s a simple path. The road is smooth, no bumps as far as I can see. It looks like a course I have taken before. For a second I don’t feel as lost. The trees look inviting, almost friendly and I see little forest creatures moving about the foliage. I like this path, it’s pleasing. I think that I would be most content to take this way, but would I get bored? Would the surroundings dull my senses? Would I later on wish I had taken the other path? Would my happiness fail? Contemplating these thoughts I gaze a little longer at the path. Its welcoming continence is so alluring. 2

Slowly I turn to the other road. I can’t help but gasp at the contrast. This path is dark. I peer into the void attempting to see what is hidden, but it is far to shaded. The snowflakes that fall to the Earth are swallowed up disappearing from sight. I shudder at the thought of getting lost, but something about this path draws me in. Maybe it’s the danger factor, or the thought of trying something new. I wish I had a flashlight, who knows how rocky this path may be, but it would surely be an adventure. I wonder what is hidden there, behind that veil of shadows. What great secrets is this path with holding?3

So I am back to where I started. Closing my eyes I let my mind contemplate the current circumstances, hoping to reach a conclusion, ‘Which path should I take; the easier one? The one with no bumps…no hills…no challenge? Would that be the right choice in the end? Why take the easy way out? What will you learn? What will you gain? Nothing, that’s what I tell you, nothing, but do I dare to test the impossible? Should I walk into that darkness with the possibility of getting hurt? Why take that chance?’ 4

The wind moans as it blows through the trees making them move and groan. I shiver as the cold crawls from my boots through my limbs. I have to make a choice, it’s getting late and the sky is growing dark. My eyes light up as I come across an idea. Quickly I remove my backpack and start digging through the pockets. I pull out my little box of matches. Opening it I see there is only one left. Looking a little deeper in my bag I find the thing I was looking for, a candle. I only have one chance at this; I hope to not screw it up. Shouldering my sack I walk toward the dark path finding shelter from the wind. 5

Reaching the edge of the darkness I remove my mittens. Pulling out my last match I strike it on the side of the box watching it spark then light. Smiling I hold it to the candle and observe as the fire consumes the wick and melts the wax. I blow out the match before the flame reaches my fingers and toss it aside. I am ready. Looking up I stare into the void, questioning my decision, but I am too enthralled to turn around now. 6

Bravely I take my first step forward and let the dark surround me. The candle, my only companion glows brightly in my hand. It sheds its light on the path filling me with hope and a new sense of adventure. I watch the flame flicker and let my eyes adjust. My pulse is pounding from the excitement that I know will never end. This is an adventure that will never get old. In this moment I know I have made the right choice after all.