This is so true. Often, in an impressionable age, we become impulsive and hasty and choose the wrong path. After the chastening experience on the rocky path of life we realize we did the wrong thing. The next time, we do act better being older and wiser. This is well versified in this free style poem.
"Pointing us in the wrong direction at times
Often, this is the road we choose."

Imagery-
Imagery is real. It shows the comparison between a traveler going on the wrong path and a person who had taken an undesirable decision.
Life depends on the way you make use of past experience for a better future.
"But the lessons learned will never become futile."

That's well put.

It flows well.

Write on!