The Sorry Tale - Poem

The Sorry Tale

Alone walk through the woods, the less travelled road of no return.
Alas! I have strayed onto the beaten path, I choose the known despite the pain.
The stink, the pricks, the jab of broken glass with every step
Yet I keep going, the fleeting pleasures numbing the pain that goes in deep, so deep.

I see the unbeaten path, it beckons, it’s inviting, I drool at the thought of unknown findings
Yet my courage fails me and I continue with my spasms of pain and gain
Faltering, failing, falling and rising, it happens so rhythmically, you almost enjoy it.
The sadistic pleasure is intoxicating but more than that it’s the comfort of knowing.

Been down this road, fallen so often, scrapped my knees and scarred my heart
I chose the road less travelled but to no avail, it made others feel a fool, they wailed.
They dragged me back, lured me and cajoled me, and simply stopped me in my tracks.
Somewhere down the line I succumbed, heaved a heavy sigh and followed suit.

The road less travelled they say is not for you, you’re one of us, we need you
Emotions sway, thoughts go haywire, discrimination comes to a halt, the heart takes over.
Thereafter it’s a merry ride as you swing on your emotions, oft down, at times high
Is it all worth it? I might never know. To take each day as it comes is all I know.
- Rukma