Failure
A poem by Isabella Tobin
When it looks like I have failed,
God, are you trying to tell me something?
For failure does not mean that I am a failure;
It does mean that I haven’t succeeded.
Failure does not mean I haven’t accomplished nothing;
It does mean that I have learned something.
Failure does not mean I have been a fool;
It does mean I had enough faith to experiment.
Failure does not mean I’ve been disgraced;
It does mean I dared to try.
Failure does not mean I don’t have it;
It does mean I have to do something in a different way.
Failure does not mean I am inferior;
It does mean I am not perfect.
Failure does not mean I’ve wasted my life;
It does mean I have an excuse to start over.
Failure does not mean I should give up;
It does mean I should try harder.
Failure does not mean I’ll never make it;
It does mean I need more practice.
Failure does not mean You have abandoned me;
It may mean You must have a better idea.
Amen.
