If At First, You Don't Succeed! Poem by Denis Martindale

Friend, if at first you don't succeed,
I'm not at all surprised,
If user guides you seldom heed,
Or did what folks advised.
Or never learned what Google shared
From websites far and wide,
As if you chanced things unprepared,
Or winged it due to pride.

Friend, if at first you don't succeed,
Without the proper tools,
Or bodged things when you disagreed
Or thought some teachers fools.
No wonder problems hang about
If you won't spend bank notes,
Or wouldn't pay a penny out
When tradesmen gave you quotes.

Friend, if at first you don't succeed,
The plumbling faults remain,
So wise-up now and face that need
Or things will stay the same.
Each specialist can still be called
And prices can be checked.
If vital parts don't get installed,
Your house will end up wrecked!


Denis Martindale. The 9th of February 2026.