Why gaze so long at that mistake?
Last night it kept you wide awake,
and still you fret for its dull sake.
Don't mope about it, foolish one.
Still may you walk beneath the sun,
the race of life may yet be won.
A mere mistake and that is all.
A stumble and a moment's fall.
Don't let this little ailment gall.
Far better cry, 'Mistake! come here.'
Into its face then bravely peer,
but do not waste one sigh or tear.
A lesson, nothing more or less,
to help you win your happiness.
Then why such sharp and deep distress?
'Tis past, 'tis over, deem it dead;
accept the lesson, look ahead.
No wan regrets, fresh hope instead.
A mere mistake, be not downcast,
Wisdom you've gained; then hold it fast.
Look straight ahead, forget the past.
Wilhelmina Stitch
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-mistake/
