The Boy and The Fire-Flies

An inexperienced boy, one night
through lonely paths returning,
Had taken to guide his steps aright,
a lantern brightly burning.
And safe he traveled by its ray,
until, before him glancing,
He saw, along the doubtful way,
the sparkling fire-flies dancing.
Then he discarded with disdain
his lantern calmly beaming,
To follow this resplendent train,
in fitful radiance gleaming.
But, ere a second step he took,
he found his folly humbled:
The flying lights his path forsook,
and in a ditch he tumbled.
Then bitter anger he expressed
against these guides beguiling;
Who thus the simple boy addressed:
“Nay, cease this vain reviling!
“The blame remains with you alone;
and half the ills men reckon,
Proceed from leaving lights well known,
to follow some false beacon.”

I found this years ago and although the author is unknown I think it is fitting here for anyone in a slump or about to give up. There is a lot to learn from this little poem. So if you are thinking about quitting reflect on this. You may find renewed appreciation for all we have here at WA.