When I Make a Mistake

When I Make a Mistake

When I make a mistake,
Should I jump in a lake,
Or take the blame,
And live in shame?

If I turn left and not right,
Shall I run full of fright,
Of those who laugh and scorn,
And gleefully give me the thorn?

If I say no and not yes,
And none comes to bless,
Rather say they, “tut! Tut!”
Take this kick in the butt!

No! I’ll not whine,
But say, “It’s mine!
And that I made a mistake,
Then I’ll bake a cake,
And pick a rose of crimson hue.
The rose and cake I’ll give to you!
By Richard Paden © 2003