Almost
I almost won at hide-and-seek
but didn’t reach the base.
My bubble almost was the best,
but blew up in my face.I almost skipped a hundred ropes
but tripped at ninety-eight.
I almost caught the biggest fish,
But then I lost my bait.I almost won the quiet game,
until I had to shout.
I almost hit a home run once-
but nope, I just struck out.I almost won in tic-tac-toe.
I almost won in chess.
My painting almost won first prize
but it was just a mess.I’m always only almost best
but that is no disgrace,
for when it comes to losing games,
I always take first place.