Dad Says

It’s not the winning that counts;

It’s all about the taking part;                 

I shouldn’t seek out glory;                                

I shouldn’t take defeat to heart;            

Enjoy the nomination;                           

Keep a smile upon your face;               

Be magnanimous in losing;                    

Take a beating with good grace.           

But it wasn’t Dad that lost.                   

It wasn’t him that cleared a space         

Making way for this award;                  

It’s me that’s left with egg on face.       

Next time I won’t be premature,          

I’ll try to show reserve;            

To demonstrate humility.