One mistake, a slip of the soul,
Forgiven easily, with love's control.
A moment's lapse, a fleeting fall,
Mercy's extended, to help us stand tall.

Twice, a warning sign, a caution bell,
Be careful, lest habits begin to dwell.
A second chance, to mend the tear,
To learn from errors, and banish fear.

Thrice, a pattern forms, a trait takes hold,
A character revealed, a story unfold.
No longer mistakes, but nature's sway,
A path diverged, where choices lead astray.

For mistakes can be corrected, overcome,
But character defines, the heart's true home.
One mistake, a lesson to impart,
But thrice, a reflection of the soul's dark art.

So heed the warning, of the second test,
Lest the third reveal, an unchanging quest.
For character is the sum of our deeds,
And mistakes, but opportunities to plant good seeds.