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.
Robert Frost is one of American literature’s most famous and influential poets. His work depicts rural life and explores themes related to nature, society, and the human condition.
The Road Not Taken Theme
“The Road Not Taken” is a famous poem to read at a funeral because the poem refers to life themes of choice, the impact of decisions on our lives, and the idea of taking a less conventional path. These themes can be particularly relevant at a funeral, as people often reflect on the choices and decisions that their loved ones made throughout their life.
The idea of the road less traveled in the poem could be seen as representing the unique path each person takes in life, which can be a comforting thought for those remembering the life of someone who has passed away.
Is “The Road Not Taken” an Appropriate Funeral Poem?
It could be considered a suitable reading at a funeral in some cases, as it may resonate with mourners who reflect on the deceased’s life and the paths they took during their lifetime.
Pros of reading “The Road Not Taken” at a funeral:
- The poem speaks to universal themes of choice and consequence and may influence the mourners’ lives in a positive manner.
- The poem captures the feelings of loss and grief that grievers may be experiencing
- The poem’s message of taking the road less traveled and finding one’s own path may be comforting to mourners who are reflecting on the life of the deceased
Cons of reading “The Road Not Taken” at a funeral:
- I feel the poem may not be suitable for all mourners, as its message is overly optimistic or simplistic in the face of loss
- The poem’s message of individual choice and self-determination may not be comforting to some mourners, who may feel that the deceased’s life was cut short or that their choices were limited in some way
- The poem’s focus on individual choices may not be relevant or applicable to all mourners, who may be grieving the loss of someone who made choices that were driven by external factors rather than personal preference.
“The Road Not Taken” is an excellent funeral poem because of the influence it will have on the mourners concerning life choices they have in their own lives.
The Road Not Taken – Downloadable PDF
