How Unpoetic

One thing I find myself talking about a lot with friends, family, and even people I don’t know is religion. Religion is a highly controversial topic that can fire up a conversation that seems to last for days on out. When I really think about it though, I’ve never had a controversial conversation about religion that has ended well. Most conversations I have ever had have ended abruptly and in all honesty because most the time I am the one that is sick of talking about it.

But consider this; if one is true to their religion, what is the sense in arguing about it? Most religions are based on faith. Faith is the idea that there is a nature and purpose to the universe we are a part of; so what’s the deal with all the arguments?

One thing that really makes me mad is a certain group of my friends. Though I love them and their goofy selves, they can really set me off at times. As we were sitting one night, having a ball, something led us to the religion talk. Now considering my friends are all extremely politically minded and very opinionated, (which I see as a good thing!) talks like these should be avoided. As we got to talking, it turned into more of an argument rather than a conversation. Now I am no preacher but when it comes to my faith I don’t want anyone trying to convince me not to believe in what I believe in. Under my roof, in my room, I don’t want to hear a bunch of my friends beleaguer me about God, faith, or what any Holy book says; I don’t care if it is the Koran, Bible, Torah, or anything. I just don’t feel like I should be pestered in my home. That is the first time I realized that it isn’t worth the argument. For everything I said, they had a counter argument, and for everything they said, I had a counter argument, and so on. That’s when I stopped. Though it made me angry for a while, I came to realization that I was contradicting my own beliefs.

Now if I am to get into any religious conversations, or should I say arguments, I simply leave it at the plain fact you believe in what you believe, you can’t define belief or what’s right or wrong. And to those who can have a decent conversation about religion, I respect that. I love to hear of what others believe; I just don’t like other’s to tell me I’m wrong. I respect others and their beliefs so I try hard not to offend anyone with different beliefs.

As Buddha said, “Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”

Poetry

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

The title of this poem really is the overall idea of this poem. Robert frost uses imagery to describe these two paths that may be taken, and through his images is where he reveals this idea of taking the road less traveled. One is worn and rugged, the other seems to be grassy and the leaves are still intact. He also uses repetition to force an idea in our minds that there is much to be said about these two paths. Though to some this may seem a very simple decision, he is making the point that there is much to think about. These aren't just paths, they are a way of life; I think that is the main reason I like this poem. There is much more to the meaning than two paths that lead into the woods. It is a life lesson Robert Frost is revealing through his poetry in a light, happy, optimistic tone.

Writing Territories

2) My writing style depends mostly on the mood I am in. If I am energized and in a good mood, I usually write satirically. If I am tired, or upset about something, my writing usually refelcts that. My favorite writing style is short stories, especially if the story I am telling is non-fictional. Outside of school I usually don't write much. Sometimes I'll write a note to my friend but other than that I'm really not too into it.


3) Every fall, a few of my friends, along with myself, venture down to Lake Calhoun to take a stroll and grab a cup o' joe. I usually spend alot of time there in the summer and fall, but this specific time is special becuase it's now an annual thing we do.
The temperature is always just right; the warm front hits the cold, it's never too cold or too hot. We always start the day off at my friend Casey's house to make some coffee. After we've had enough coffee we head off to the lake. Once we get to the lake we usually park somewhere in a neighborhood so we can make an adventure out of actually getting to the lake. Climbing trees along the way, hiking through hills covered in brush and trees, it's always fun.
After making it to the lake, we walk around and take some breaks to play on the various playgrounds and swings they have lined along the pathway. Our journey usually ends at the large playground that is located near the bandshell. We take some time off to swing, climb, and jump around on the playground. When it starts to hit dusk we usually journey back to our car and head home. It's sad to think that next year we may not be around Minnesota for the fall weather. But hopefully once Thanksgiving break hits we are all back to take a stroll at Calhoun, one last time.