Seance with Isaac Singer

Last night I had a small chat
With the late Isaac Singer.
Asked by an aspiring rat,
What advice would you give her?

You do not need to be first,
Nor the idea yours alone.
Your lineage may be the worst –
You could still be an unknown.

But dreams will not get you there –
They do not finish the race.
You need lots of wear and tear
Before you will see first place.

Hard work will not guarantee
That ideas to success grow.
But without, take it from me:
Wishing does not make it sew.