The Loss Is Not So Great

It is better as it is: I have failed but I can sleep;

Though the pit I now am in is very dark and deep

I can walk to-morrow's streets and can meet to-morrow's men

Unashamed to face their gaze as I go to work again.

I have lost the hope I had; in the dust are all my dreams,

But my loss is not so great or so dreadful as it seems;

I made my fight and though I failed I need not slink away

For I do not have to fear what another man may say.

They may call me over-bold, they may say that I was frail;

They may tell I dared too much and was doomed at last to fail;

They may talk my battle o'er and discuss it as they choose,

But I did no brother wrong — I'm the only one to lose.

It is better as it is: I have kept my self-respect.

I can walk to-morrow's streets meeting all men head erect.

No man can charge his loss to a pledge I did not keep;

I have no shame to regret: I have failed, but I can sleep.