THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026 Page 3 ~ GUEST COMMENTARY ~ Fire And Ice by Robert Frost By Sal Giarratani B ack in time, maybe 30 or so years ago, I remember meeting someone, a kindly old man who told me he once was a friend of Robert Frost and would take walks with him up somewhere in New Hampshire. I asked him jokingly did he ever took the road not taken. This guy was probably around 90, or 92 years old but he got my little joke. this gentleman was an old priest who lived up at the Mission Church rectory and would slowly walk down from the church, cross Brigham Circle before arriving at the mental health facility I worked at as a Metro Boston Area Department of Mental Health police sergeant. We became good friends and he always seemed to me to be a fi gure from a long ago forgotten past. I learned so much insight from him on life, and he strengthened my writing capabilities too. I guess growing up as a baby boomer, I seemed able to paste the past to my present as I moved toward my future. As a writer one must be able to fi gure out the meanings of one’s experiences and adjust them constantly. on our journey through life. Many believe that today is awkwardly unsettled. One second everything seemed fine but then things could go south awful quickly. One moment everything seems clear before it is, not again. I write this on Wednesday, April 1, yes to be confused with April Fool’s Day. Tonight, President Trump will be on TV addressing the nation as to how swell the War in Iran is going throwing his “spin” on this victory of his. Breaking into the news this evening, four astronauts will take off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a 10-day mission toward the moon for a fl y around, then head home. Oops, got off -track back to Robert Frost, I just re-read “Fire and Ice” and I thought how that pretty much can sum up our lives at times. We go hot and cold until we don’t. I have always enjoyed reading “Fire and Ice.”. “Some say the world will end in fi re, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tested of desire I hold with those who favor fi re. But if I had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice is also great And would suffi ce.” The last time I really thought about this poem was when I suff ered second degree Frostbite on both my hands after selling sausages and steak and cheese down at Faneuil Hall Marketplace one cold winter night working my sausage stand. I almost lost three fi ngers that night. For me it was a combination of fi re and ice coming together to attack my fi ngers as I was staring into the abyss of the Black Rose across the street. I miss those Sunday morning chats with that frail old priest who looked like the ancient mariner fi lled with wisdom and joy. Lessons taught me back then still kindle within me today. Today that old priest/counselor of mine is God willing up there with Robert Frost walking through a heavenly furnished woods and I am down here wondering if Frost knew more than I will ever know. Same goes for that old padre who passed me by like a ship in the night. I will continue to write as long as God gives me the ability to do so. It is after all a gift from God to share with all, especially during this holy season of hope and life. We travel this way only once and we should make the most of it all. Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Everyone. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at:WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
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