Loss And Gain

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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When I compare
What I have lost with what I have gained,
What I have missed with what attained,
Little room do I find for pride.

I am aware
How many days have been idly spent;
How like an arrow the good intent
Has fallen short or been turned aside.

But who shall dare
To measure loss and gain in this wise?
Defeat may be victory in disguise;
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.

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Comments1
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    Dang, this poem really slapped me square in the feelings. Homework or not, it's deep. Makes you rethink what actually counts as a loss and a win, yah know. Like, a setback might actually be setting you up for a win. 🙆‍♀️ Not sure why I always need edgy poetry to remind me about this lol 🤷‍♀️.