The Nail

Some people when they hit the nail

     They hit it on the head;

And some are always sure to fail,

     And hit elsewhere instead.

Some look not where they wish to strike,

     By other thoughts are lead;

They do not hit where they would like,

     They fail to hit the head.

Some look too close and then are blind,

     Too many heads they see;

The single one they have in mind

     Becomes one, two and three.

You e’er must gauge your eye as well,

     As hand, then feel no dread

But that your every blow will tell,

     You’ll hit it on the head.

Jan. 5, 1910