Reflection and lessons learned from "Hard Roads in Shu"

 HARD ROADS IN SHU

REFLECTION AND LESSONS LEARNED

    According to an analysis that I have read, this poem is all about the difficulty of going to Shu or a metaphor for the challenge of achieving what a person wants. If we will relate the poem to being an immigrant of a particular place, we can tell that it is hard to fit in a new community where people and places are not familiar to us. We will experience oppression, exclusion, bullying, and any other forms of discrimination. Nevertheless, we can still adjust to it in the long run.

    On the other hand, if we will connect the thought of the poem towards life, it is like describing the struggle towards the road of success. We perceive things differently, and as for me, I see this poem as a reminder that the road towards our goals will never be easy. It will be a roller coaster ride where ups and downs will be encountered. Aside from that, there may be times that the path going there becomes darker because we cannot deny the fact that sometimes, we are afraid of taking risks. For this reason, we started to doubt ourselves which makes it harder for us to go on.

In addition, the poem mentioned venomous reptiles in the night that are ready to cut people represents those toxic people who give us negative thoughts about our journey. It is always a thrill to wander and meet different people, however, it is also challenging for we do not know who will genuinely support us or who is faking their support in us. Therefore, there is no shortcut and smooth road going to success.

To wrap it up, here are the lessons I have learned from the poem:

• No road is smooth going to success.

• Life is a roller coaster ride; it will blow your mind.

• It is hard to fit in a place that is new.

• Travelling from places can be physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging.

• Do not be afraid in taking risks.

• Life goes on even if it is hard.