– by Phoebe Carey

If you’ve tried and have not won,
Never stop for crying;
All that’s great and good is done,
Just by patient trying.

Though young birds in flying fall,
Still their wings grow stronger;
And the next time they can keep,
Up a little longer.

Though the sturdy oak has known,
Many a blast that bowed her;
She has risen again and grown,
Loftier and prouder.

If by easy work you beat,
Who the more will price you;
Gaining victory from defeat,
That’s the tests that tries you.