Success and failure alike do deceive, All a man can do is in himself believe, Many doubters to say what we are not
But to all Villans, you are still great Scott
Into each life a little rain must fall
For those who get the England call
For those who must bear their country’s burden
A joyous outcome is far from certain
Perfect paragons of the distant past
All felt the critics’ unforgiving blast
Each knew that selfsame weary heartache
And bore that agony for their nation’s sake
Each soldier who enjoys his big parade
Knows the ultimate price that was paid
Each man who wears his medals on his chest
Knows the many days when he failed the test
And the heroes considered truly great
Have all learned to smile on their anguished fate
Ever since this sad old world began
Heart has been the measure of a man
Remember for the ancient stoic’s sake
All events are weighed by what view we take
Forever sad hurt enough to remind
But the wise look e’re forward not behind
Success and failure alike do deceive
All a man can do is in himself believe
Many doubters to say what we are not
But to all Villans, you are still great Scott
———————
Previous prose on Vital by Steve Wade: Remembrance Day
