Our Mistakes

We come to terms with our mistakes

to strive, to try, then fail, to win

Seeing what bitter food it makes

tasting the tempting fruits of sin

 

Looking back along the past

succeeding through our strain

Makes us value life at last

with its unending strife and pain

 

Who once failed, find triumph sweet

where once stumbled, cry beware

To the other unaccustomed feet

victory comes to those who dare

 

Are we but images made of God

his work in labored progress

Made from the dust and the sod

our one sheer moment of happiness

 

What strife encumbers, the soul awakes

learning the errors, of our troubled route

Through sorrows, of our sad mistakes

come truths, we could not live without

 

Author's Note

We face them every day, and sleep with them every night. Our character is defined by how we deal with our mistakes! For those of us who learn best the hard way this is both bittersweet and true

Reviews

[Allan Eddings]

As always a lovely piece that is both thought provoking, honest, and simply beautiful. Truly I am most envious! While reading this piece with its lovely - and when speaking of your writing characteristic - lyrical nature that seems to beg one to sing it; I was moved to think of the oldest complete piece of music we have found, the Seikilos epitaph. The lyrics when translated from the original Greek read approximately (this is my own translation, so please be cautious, ha!):

While you live, shine, don't suffer anything at all; life exists only a short while and time demands its toll.

The music that accompanies it is quite beautiful I would recommend seeking it out. Back to point. I could not help but feel repeated here the theme of pain, pleasure, suffering and joy which seems to be an eternal question and inspiration to men and women throughout time. It gave me a lovely sense of belonging.

My own ramblings aside, bravo as always, and again thank you.
A.E.

[Chris Shaw]

Each one of us will make mistakes on our journey through life. The art is learning from them and ensuring they are not repeated. This way we grow in character. Always good to read your poetry Tate.

All good wishes

Chris

[Tate Morgan]

Hi sweet heart I keep making mistakes can’t seem to learn

[Chris Shaw]

Naughty corner for you then :))

[Temperance]

Lovely poem! If we don't make mistakes we aren't growing and learning. Your poem covers this quite well. Such an enjoyable read...as usual. :) Temp

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you temperance. Mistakes are the things that I have learned the most from in life

[Temperance]

Same thing here

[Patricia Wedel]

Mistakes are "stepping stones" to a better way.... perhaps in April and May by a Stream of forgiveness and forget me nots. Flowering trees with Birds singing... Life is Bitter Sweet. gently, Pat

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you pat. Spring does bring new home. But I’m at that point my life where it stops Giving me things and begins to take them away

[Crowley]

This is classic Tate at work. Its hard to own up, but when we do, the outcome can be very satisfying. Unfortunately those who cannot are doomed to that which they deserve. You have a special heart my friend.

[Tate Morgan]

Crowley thank you friend. I feel like Thomas Edison in some ways where as he would say I didn’t invent the lightbulb I just invented 1000 ways not make a lightbulb. That’s the story of my life 1000 times I fall before I once stand upright

[M. J. Smith]

Everybody has regrets, things they wish they could go back and change. But one thing I would gladly do again is be The Drifter. In many ways, he is my best self. And yes, mistakes and defeat teach us far more then success and victory. Very wise words, Brother Tate.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I made a lot of them still do

[Great Aunt Astri]

Full of profound 'truths' and well told. We certainly do learn by our mistakes, and it is probably the best way to learn!

[Tate Morgan]

If mistakes were the chisel by which we are honed. Then surely I should be the statue of David As I have made more of them than any man I can think of . Yet so unfinished as a a man am I that I wonder if ever shall i take shape thank you for the kindness

[Great Aunt Astri]

AH, but you may be more like David than you realise ... in the World's great Universal Consciousness? ? My Dad always used to say 'you have to suffer, to be beautiful.'

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I agree you must suffer

[Great Aunt Astri]

er ..... to be beautifu!! I don't think one needs to suffer much if we just accept ourselves as are

[Eddie Phillips]

Wonderfully penned as usual with wisdom that reaches from your pen to the readers mind. I always enjoy reading your poetry my friend.

[Tate Morgan]

Hey Eddie nice to hear from you Miss you

[Magdelena]

What can I possibly say that hasn't been brought forth? Your words, as always, delight and bare the soul. Your passion that rings out with each written word makes me feel as if I'm looking over your shoulder and swirling around in those thoughts of yours... You spellbind me each and every time....
Loved this!!!!
Mags xo

[Tate Morgan]

Mags my dear. I have missed you so much. What a treat to find you here tonight. Thank you I am honored

[Magdelena]

As always you are my hero!

[Tate Morgan]

You make me smile and give my life meaning Thank you

[Magdelena]

Ditto my sweet friend.

[Tate Morgan]

Love you dear

[Ashley Lytle]

I absolutely loved this poem. It was very thought provoking. Your word choice is extremely exceptional and it flowed very nicely. You choose some words that really stand out and bring meaning to your poem. I found it to be a great representation of a motivational piece. Reading it I felt like it was saying that you just become better with every mistake. Just because you make one doesn't define you. It's how you grow and learn that matters. A mistake is not an end. It's a chance to learn and to grow.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Ashley you have correctly defined the purpose and message of this work. I can tell you it is the mistakes that form our character and make us better people

[Ashley Lytle]

You're welcome. I completely agree with the message this poem shares.

[Tate Morgan]

thank you so much