Lesson from my Child

Today I learnt something by watching my son

Who practiced repeatedly his music lesson

Until he got the notes and pitch right

Playing an instrument is not his forte, he had to fight

His lack of interest in playing, and his limited ability

To complete the assignment satisfactorily

Granted, he was driven by the desire to get a high grade

But through multiple subpar attempts, his determination did not fade

It took him hours to complete this assignment

He ended with the heady feeling of accomplishment

*

His perseverance contrasts sharply with lack of mine

I give up more easily if something challenging I find

Since academic excellence as a child seemed easy to achieve

Somehow I erroneously came to believe

That if I could not do something well immediately

I was not smart enough to do it, that activity was not for me

*

Now I realize how nearly all my life I have been

Giving up on learning new skills, imagining roadblocks unseen

As I applaud the perseverance of my son

I am also trying to imbibe a new lesson