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When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don't give up though the pace seems slow— You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out— The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit— It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Content Analysis
The poem is an inspirational message about perseverance. It encourages the reader to not give up when faced with hardship, suggesting that success might be just around the corner, even when things look their bleakest.
- Perseverance
- Hope
- Resilience
Metaphor: "Success is failure turned inside out— The silver tint of the clouds of doubt."
About the Author
Edgar Albert Guest (1881-1959) was a prolific English-born American poet who was popular in the first half of the 20th century and became known as the 'People's Poet'.
Writing Style: Simple, rhyming verse with an emphasis on inspirational and moral themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does the author suggest you do when 'care is pressing you down'?