October 2016
Janice Canerdy
jlcanerdy@yahoo.com
jlcanerdy@yahoo.com
I am a retired high-school English teacher from Potts Camp, Mississippi. Life in general and my grandchildren in particular inspire me to write. I especially enjoy writing—and reading—rhymed, metered poetry and mourn its near-demise. I get a real charge out of parodying the famous poems I taught my students—while keeping a perfectly straight face and assuring them that studying such noble literature would greatly enhance their lives. I stay busy with a variety of activities at home and church.
Author's Note: I love parodies as much as I love Frost. This poem is patterned, at least in style, after his "The Road Not Taken."
The Car Not Taken
Two unlocked cars, black and red, looked good,
And sorry I could not steal them both
And be one felon, at length I stood
Looking at one as long as I could.
To leave one behind I was quite loath.
A coin toss guided me. I took
The red one (I hoped) the better car
Because it was newer. One last look
At the black car. It was time to hook
My new ride up, then vamoose afar.
The car not taken, with keys in sight,
was a beauty in metallic black.
I thought I'd sneak back that same night
And claim this vision of delight,
But—Darn it!—I never made it back.
I'm telling my story with a sigh
And have told it numerous times since.
Two unlocked cars looked good, and I
Took the newer one. I now see why,
To me, in jail, it's made no difference.
The Car Not Taken
Two unlocked cars, black and red, looked good,
And sorry I could not steal them both
And be one felon, at length I stood
Looking at one as long as I could.
To leave one behind I was quite loath.
A coin toss guided me. I took
The red one (I hoped) the better car
Because it was newer. One last look
At the black car. It was time to hook
My new ride up, then vamoose afar.
The car not taken, with keys in sight,
was a beauty in metallic black.
I thought I'd sneak back that same night
And claim this vision of delight,
But—Darn it!—I never made it back.
I'm telling my story with a sigh
And have told it numerous times since.
Two unlocked cars looked good, and I
Took the newer one. I now see why,
To me, in jail, it's made no difference.
©2016 Janice Canerdy
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