The Woods Before Snowfall Poem by Fred Odom

Into the woods I traveled
Where a divergence of road has been reported
Requiring a decision be made
Knowing ahead lays deepening snow,
Darkness with plunging temperatures,
Few passersby from which to obtain help, and
Unknown shelter from the wind and beasts
Which call the forest home and passersby
Food.

It however, is appealing to those
Well prepared or suited to climate’s harshness.
I am neither, but
Prefer making my own footprints on the ground.
I share that perspective with previous travelers on this path,
As I believe the goal is not
Getting through the woods on my way
Nor of concern about the duration of my footsteps
On the path
Or whether someone will follow them.

But rather, appreciating the journey
While getting through the woods
On the road less traveled.