The Path of No Return

An allegory for taking the lesser-known way.

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

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Far away from the urban sprawl, beyond the orange haze of light pollution and background droning of motorways and flight paths, a trail carves its way through a forest. On first sight, it is nothing extraordinary — but it takes an acute form of vision to perceive where it leads. At first scarcely visible, it becomes apparent that within this overgrown woodland exists an overgrown and long disused footpath. What begins with contemplation and an inkling of curiosity evolves into physical action, taking each step slowly towards an unknown destination. The trees begin to shroud over, creating a tunnelling effect overhead head. The sunlight is dappled, gently blocking out the harshness of the ultraviolet rays. Leaves rustle as the wind stirs up the canopy, foliage drops slowly and lines the floor with a textured carpet of organic matter, shades of bronze and copper that crunch with each step.

Further ahead, the light begins to fade into darkness, the woodland now takes on an eerie appearance. Hesitation arises. Anxiety begins to surface. The primal human instinct — the urge to survive, is slowly creeping over, taking hold of the nervous system as it send cautious electrical signals from brain to body. Each step becomes quieter now, as if an exacerbated motion could stir up some hidden evil, attracting a predator lurking in the thorny bushes beyond the visible. Is this fear real or is it imaginary? The body knows no different. In this moment, overruled by primitive urges, thoughts circle in the mind. To continue through the darkness or to go back to safety. A quick glance back gives an instant answer — for the way is no longer there. Already, the foliage has shape-shifted, rendering the way back impassable except for almost certain pain and difficulty. Deep breaths. The silence is deafening, birdsong has ceased, and a cold breeze whistles through the forest. It sends a message: you have come too far to turn back. To retreat is no option. 

The ground underfoot is rocky and unbalanced, so each forward motion must be taken with care and precision. The gradient slopes downwards at increasingly sharper angles. It is a descent into the depths, where the light never reaches, a place of permanent dampness where moss climbs up boulders and lichen hangs from trees. Eyesight takes a moment to adjust now to this strange and unfamiliar terrain. Forms are becoming indistinguishable in the low light. Unfamiliar noises echo through this valley. Moisture forms beads on the eyelashes, the mist reducing visibility to only a few feet. Just as the light appears to be all but gone — a small beam appears in the distance. 

At first it seems like a mirage, the hopeful projection of the minds desire — seeking to create relief from current adversities. Yet it becomes clear that this is no illusion. The way begins to climb now, and each forward motion brings you further away from the dark abyss. A subtle feeling of warmth is emanating from this upward direction. Like a moth to a flame, the body moves instinctively towards it, seeking comfort and relief. The mind becomes occupied with the thoughts of hope and expectation, but such things can never be guaranteed. This moment is all there is. One step at a time. 

A familiar sound begins to re-emerge. Birdsong. The gentle music of the winged tree dwellers brings a sense of comfort and familiarity. The foliage begins to transform from scrubby bushes of thorn and vine, to mature woodland of beech and oak — the canopy now gradually opening up, through which golden streams of light are bursting through with increasing intensity. There is no stopping now, and the will to continue has proved itself worthwhile. A patch of sky begins to appear in the distance, drawing you closer with magnetic appeal. The gentle trickle of flowing water passes underfoot, the nourishing source of life. The prior state of vigilance is transmuted into an ever increasing state of relaxation and bodily fluidity. Prior tension is replaced by an ease of stride. Only a few further steps and what was once a small beam of light gives way to an all-encompassing illumination of golden warmth against the wide-open surroundings. It is a wonder unlike any other. The risk has given way to reward. This is what lays on the other side of all projected fears. It is the world that many know to be possible but few are brave enough to head towards. It is the mirage, come true — an outcome only made possible after traversing the depths of darkness.

Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash