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The Loss Is Not So Great

It is better as it is: I have failed but I can sleep;

Though the pit I now am in is very dark and deep

I can walk tomorrow's streets and can meet tomorrow's men

Unashamed to face their gaze as I go to work again.


I have lost the hope I had; in the dust are all my dreams,

But my loss is not so great or so dreadful as it seems;

I made my fight and though I failed I need not slink away

For I do not have to fear what another man may say.


They may call me over-bold, they may say that I was frail;

They may tell I dared too much and was doomed at last to fail;

They may talk my battle o'er and discuss it as they choose,

But I did no brother wrong-- I'm the only one to lose.


It is better as it is: I have kept my self-respect.

I can walk tomorrow's streets meeting all men head erect.

No man can charge his loss to a pledge I did not keep;

I have no shame to regret: I have failed, but I can sleep.


-Edgar A. Guest "The Loss Is Not So Great" When Day Is Done

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