After the Play

I entered a contest for plays; I’d hoped for approval and praise. The audience cheered And nobody jeered And I even was given bouquets! We followed the show with a dinner. I grinned like the grinniest grinner. The feelings that flowed And the way that I glowed Would convince someone I was the winner. Today they confirmed what I knew – My chances for glory are through. But still, though I lost, There were barriers crossed And I made an impressive debut. The lesson I learned from this chance Is that fortunes don’t always advance; But if you never try You’ll be wondering why You’re the wallflower watching the dance.