The Path not Travelled (Wednesday, 26 December 2012)

As a young lad a choice was given
fearful of the grave risks now I saw
unaware, hazards path chosen
love and hope counter to set law
place self above love for what I saw
leave love now, and be fair shriven

Chose continue on perditions way
and love one that god had made choose me
mindful of justice costs, come the day
despite all, chose to love any way
until the day, unwilling, set free

Despite all the risks, despite all pain
On that moment I chose to be loved
I must shamefully say, as a man
were it given, make that choice again
future could wait until by her loved

I shall be telling this with a sigh
in bars or out, many ages hence
two paths diverged, perdition nigh
forsaking honor, I chose love, aye
And that has made all the difference.

(note:  if the cadence reminds you of one of the great poems from one of the masters...
it is intentional...
can you name it?)