Los Poemas de Machado

When we read the Proverbios y Cantares, number seven really spoke to me. In class we discussed that this short poem is not necessarily negative, but even has a positive message embedded. Every person is an individual and should create a path that they personally walk along. There is no road, unless you make it. And life is what you make of it, so we must take the path that we this is right for us. I definitely feel like this poem has a counterpart in Robert Frosts, “The Road Not Taken” that Erinne wrote about earlier. For me, I have been having a very hard time deciding what to do with my life after college. The never ending question of ‘who do you want to be when you grow up?’ nags at me everyday because I cannot decide. I know that there are many paths I can take, and once I decide on one, the other paths will end. I also know that ending a path is scary, but picking one and sticking to it is a lifelong exciting adventure as well. This poem is very inspirational and even though I compare it to my decisions of a career path, Machado uses it to inspire others to never give up. Times are rough, life has its ups and down, but every person, every country, has a chance to change and succeed and hope for a better future to come. Frequently, Dr. Seuss just puts it all into perspective, especially with this excerpt from All the places you’ll go! :)

"You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.

…

You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)