A Gift of Mistakes

My share of mistakes I have made, Detours I’ve taken, dues I’ve paid. In dubious company I’ve found friends, Indecision followed the best-laid plans. Loneliness has rushed me into love, Courting heartbreaks and a cold rebuff. By my errant mind I was ill prepared, For Fortune’s intentions undeclared. Ample time has been idled away, For pleasures that indulged no delay. The crowd’s folly too quick to chide, Long have I stayed on the outside. For triumphs by discipline not groomed, To small victories by apathy doomed. Half-hearted dreams were left to rust, In random luck I’ve placed my trust. A few hardships I have gamely braved, Too little done for the freedom craved. All these I confess to you, my son, My past a gift to my dearest one. Not one of the mistakes I’ll regret, If by my lessons you’re better led. As you embark on life’s great race, I hope my steps you won’t retrace.