spilledwoords
– Spilling everyday experiences with words –
The Man Who Dares …
It is not the critic who counts,
not the man who pronounces
how the strong man stumbled,
where the doer of deeds fumbled
or could have done them better.
Credit belongs to the man – the pacesetter
who is actually in the arena, in the mud;
whose face is marred by dust, sweat, and blood;
who strives valiantly; who errs, then
comes short again and again.
Tribute goes to him who knows
the great devotions and impose
himself to a worthy cause;
who, at the worst, if he fails, because
of daring greatly, at least fails honorably,
so that his place shall never be with those un-admirably
cold and timid souls whose retreat
endear them to know neither victory nor defeat.
Copyright © Ugo Nkwoala | Spilledwoords | 2020
Photo by Attentie Attentie from Unsplash
This poem is an extract from Theodore Roosevelt (born October 27, 1858, New York, New York, U.S.—died January 6, 1919, Oyster Bay, New York), 26th president of the United States (1901–09), a writer, naturalist, and soldier. He won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1906 for mediating an end to the Russo-Japanese War (1904–05).
Recent Posts: spilledwoords
Etiquette
Hearts, like doors, will ope with easeTo very, very little keys,And don’t forget that two of theseAre “I thank you” and “If you please.” Come when you’re called,Do what you’re bid,Close the door after you,Never be chid. Seldom “can’t,”Seldom “don’t;”Never “shan’t,”Never “won’t.” © Anonymous | Spilledwords | 2021
Give Me a Pen and Paper
Give me a pen and paper;leave me the restand words will spill outwithout pre-plan andimprint themselves on a page or two. Give me air and space;watch those words spring upbreathing with lifestories learned, dreams fulfilledplaces traveled, experiences earned. Give me strength and courage;release me from fear of the unknown andthe half-heartedness to send these words […]
An Undone Homework
Good God! I’m like an undone homeworkSubmitted to a tutor by an anxious pupilWho over the weekend had triedYet failed to make headway.Teacher– would you spank me?Mock, flatter, or encourage your pupil?Solve me for me, oh Lord.Or teach me how to do me betterThat the pass mark I may not miss. © Ndidi Ugo- Nkwoala […]
Is There Anything Sweeter?
Is there anything sweeter than these hours of love,when we’re together, and my heart races?For what is better than embracing and fondlingwhen you visit me, and we surrender to delights? If you reach to caress my thigh,I will offer you my breast also —it’s soft; it won’t jab you or thrust you away! Will you […]
Ragged Old Flag
I walked through a county courthouse squareOn a park bench an old man was sitting thereI said, your old courthouse is kinda run downHe said, naw, it’ll do for our little townI said, your old flagpole has leaned a little bitAnd that’s a ragged old flag you got hanging on it He said, have a […]
