Capitalizing Our Calamities

[scarrymama]

I came across this poem in a book that I am reading, and it is so awesome and encouraging that I thought that I would share it. Life is hard, yes. But when you keep getting lemons (as I seem to have a zillion of!) all you need is a really good recipe for lemonade! Or lemon meringue pie....

Did you tackle the trouble that came your way

   With a resolute heart and cheerful?

Or hide your face from the light of day

   With a craven soul and fearful?

Oh, a trouble's a ton, or a trouble's an ounce,

   Or a trouble is what YOU MAKE IT,

And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,

   But only....how did you take it?

You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that!!

   Come up with a smiling face.

It's nothing against you to fall down flat,

   But to lie there...that's disgrace.

The harder you're thrown, why, the higher you bounce;

   Be proud of your blackened eye!

It isn't the fact that you're licked that counts'

   It's how did you fight...and why?

And though you be done to the death, what then?

   If you battled the best you could,

If you played your part in the world of men,

   Why, the Critic will call it good.

Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce,

   And whether he's slow or spry,

It isn't the fact that you're dead that counts,

   But only....HOW did you die?

[soovia8175]

Sep. 15, 2008 at 4:16 PM

Awesome poem! Love it and great way to look at life

[SalBac]

Sep. 15, 2008 at 7:51 PM

[tamale102280]

Sep. 16, 2008 at 1:45 AM

I love that poem.

[angel.mama]

Sep. 16, 2008 at 3:47 AM

Love it! Something to live by.

[FallingOnVegas]

Sep. 29, 2008 at 1:58 PM

The last verse is very poignant...

Good find!

[AmberZ...]

Oct. 6, 2008 at 11:28 PM

Thanks for sharing this mama! Great poem