At dVerse Kim is hosting Prosery with an invitation to use a line from the poem ‘The Song of Wandering Aengus’ by William Butler Yeats. The line is: “I went out to the hazel wood, because a fire was in my head.”
“We have to get used to the idea that at the most important crossroads in our life there are no signs.” Ernest Hemingway.
Which Way? I wanted to take time with my old friends who were welling up in my chest. Where to in my life now, seemed to be the most pressing question stirring my emotions. I sought the pilgrims trail, so I went out to the hazel wood, because a fire was in my head and heart. Eventually the walk began to clear my head, and then I came to a crossroad, which I received as a question. What now, do I turn at either side or go on, or even stay where I am? What does this mean for me? The Irish gave a word for this, trasna or crossing place, to cross over. It means choosing a move. This fire in me has brought me to a turning point, and I mean to go on. So, which way will I choose, which path will I take? ©Paul Vincent Cannon
parallax 
You will choose the right path, I sense that in you. A most intriguing bit of prose you gave us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Will you let us know what path you choose? Lovely prose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Made me think about the road less taken… maybe that’s the right one.
LikeLike
This is gorgeously deep and introspective. I agree, the most important crossroads in life offer no signs. We just have to rely on instinct. ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford.
LikeLike
Paul, this reminds me of a segment on Charles Kuralt’s, “On the Road” I watched the other night. It’s about a guy who has lived at the same intersection out in the middle of nowhere for 60+ years. The county says they can’t afford road signs, so people have been walking up and knocking on his door to ask for directions all these years. Recently he decided to make some signs himself and put them at the corners. You might ask, did it help? The answer is no. He has taken to sitting by the side of the road to see if people will use his signs, but when they see him, they don’t bother reading the signs and ask him instead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A meditative take on the prompt, Paul, which is familiar, as we all face crossroads at different times in our lives. I haven’t had that experience for a long time, not since I retired from teaching. Wanting to ‘take time with my old friends who were welling up in my chest’ is something we must all feel during this awful pandemic, and I imagine that many people who have lost loved ones, jobs, homes, their health because of it will be wondering which path to take when it is finally allowed It’s something that pops up when on those solitary walks we are permitted for exercise.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much appreciated Chuck
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the first line. A great encouragement to look within before embarking on the journey your prose sets forth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, absolutely Astrid, and you know this stuff well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a great analogue question to Hamlet’s one.;-) I love the metaphors you are using. Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hamlet, one of the great characters. Thank you for the great comparison Michael.
LikeLiked by 1 person
:-)) Thank you as well, Paul. Have a beautiful weekend! Michael
LikeLike
Well…in South Africa the law states “keep left”,so take left trust I know
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very good story Paul!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Trasna.” I like that word; I hadn’t heard it before. The photo reminds me very much of the crossroads at which blues legend Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil for the ability to play.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, that happens to be one of my fave songs, he and Cream are eon my playlist, nice connect. Glad you liked that word.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robert Johnson and Cream are on my playlist as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aha, so much in common 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this one – singing our song softly
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks.
LikeLike