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