The Hand of Experience

Experience wields a painful rod

It frustrates foolish notion

Training its students tirelessly

In spite of frayed emotion

Experience wields a patient scepter

No student is too old

To learn the lessons in this classroom

Where unbidden, we’re enrolled

Experience wields a wise baton

For in each vexing stumble

It snuffs our aptness for conceit

And helps to keep us humble

© Janet Martin