So many times in the past, I've attempted to get through

And this morning - I actually did - only to hear I did lose

For I got through just two calls ahead of the chosen mark

Blowing my chance of a win at the local station's park ...



You see, the winner is always caller number nineteen

And if you're in too early - they hang up on those green

And so, once again - you're a loser at life and at contests

For your timing's off, and thus - nobody cares, or will invest



But that's okay - for life is a series of ups and downs ...

When one door closes, another opens, and the frowns

Will disappear, making way for the smiles and the grins

Which become all-pervasive - when, at last, you win ...



- Tristram



(c) Christopher W. Thomas

12:55pm Friday, Sept. 4th, 1998