"I get discouraged now and then

When there are clouds of gray,

Until I think about the things

That happened yesterday.

I do not mean the day before

Or those of months ago,

But all the yesterdays in which

I had the chance to grow.

I think of opportunities

That I allowed to die,

And those I took advantage of

Before they passed me by.

And I remember that the past

Presented quite a plight,

But somehow I endured it and

The future seemed all right.

And I remind myself that I

Am capable and free,

And my success and happiness

Are really up to me."

James J. Metcalfe