Practice never really makes perfect.
You will be tested over and again,
and even the thousandth time
you will be far from perfect.
Do not be discouraged,
for there is something better than perfect:
Progress.
Practice so the next time
the winds of uncertainty howl
you will bend and sway,
but you will settle at your center
sooner than the last time
so they won't blow you entirely off course.
Practice so the next time
the rip tide of fear catches you
you will struggle,
but you will surrender
sooner than the last time
so it won't drag you to the darkest depths.
And when you stumble,
when you are blown or dragged
further than you would have hoped,
do not be discouraged.
These are simply opportunities to practice,
and practice makes progress.
