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The Gain
A thoughtful poem by Wilhelmina Stitch that reminds us that time spent thinking of someone we love is never truly wasted.
Have you ever looked at the clock and wondered where the time went? We often hear people say that time slips away or that lost time can never be found again. But does that mean every hour that passes without completing something is an hour wasted?
In her poem, The Gain, Wilhelmina Stitch looks at time from a different perspective. She begins by wondering where the hours have gone, almost as though time itself has stolen them away. Yet as the poem continues, we discover that those hours were spent thinking about someone very dear to her.
This poem reminds us that not every moment needs to be filled with work or accomplishments. Sometimes the quiet moments we spend remembering someone, appreciating a friendship, or simply thinking about a loved one can be among the most meaningful hours of our day.
As you read, consider how you spend your time. What may appear to be time lost could actually be time well spent, especially when it brings us closer to the people who matter most.
Updated October 12, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
The Gain
Poet: Wilhelmina Stitch
"The hours Time stole away." A curious phrase this seems.
Did Time then wish to play with my sweet dreams?
What did he with the hours he stole away from me?
Transform them into flow'rs or melody?
Time stole them, it is clear. For, lo! I have lost two
Whilst thinking hard, my dear - simply of you.
Where did the sly thief go with my most precious time,
Need (he ought to know) to make a rhyme.
Time stole two hours, the thief! I know this to my cost.
For am I not, in grief o'er moments lost?
And yet 'tis very plain, 'tis passing strange but true,
By this sad loss I gain - thinking of you.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Time Spent Thinking of Others Is Never Wasted
Remembering someone we care about can bring warmth and happiness to our day. Those quiet moments may be more valuable than we realize.
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Not Every Hour Needs to Be Productive
We often measure our days by how much we accomplish. But taking time to reflect, remember, and appreciate others is also time well spent.
-
Love Gives Meaning to Our Time
The poet discovers that the hours she thought were lost have actually brought her joy. Thinking about someone dear has turned what seemed like a loss into a gain.
-
Look for the Good in Every Moment
Sometimes we are quick to think that we have wasted time. A different perspective may help us recognize the blessings hidden in those moments.
Quotes From The Gain
These short quotes from Wilhelmina Stitch's poem encourage us to think differently about time and the value of remembering those we love.
"The hours Time stole away." A curious phrase this seems.
Wilhelmina Stitch
Time may seem to disappear, but how we spend those moments determines their value. An hour that brings us happiness or fond memories is not necessarily an hour lost.
Where did the sly thief go with my most precious time,
Need (he ought to know) to make a rhyme.
Wilhelmina Stitch
We do not always spend our time exactly as we planned. Yet even an unexpected pause can give us something worthwhile to remember.
Time stole two hours, the thief! I know this to my cost.
For am I not, in grief o'er moments lost?
And yet 'tis very plain, 'tis passing strange but true,
By this sad loss I gain - thinking of you.
Wilhelmina Stitch
The poet realizes that time spent thinking of someone dear is not really a loss. Our relationships and the memories we share are among life's greatest treasures.
Popular Pages
Discover more poems and quotes about making the most of your time, appreciating friendships, and finding meaning in everyday moments.
Enjoy timeless verses and meaningful messages in our collection of Famous Poems.
Reflect on how quickly the hours pass with these inspiring Time Quotes about making each moment count.
Celebrate the people who make life special with these Meaningful Friendship Quotes.
Find encouragement to appreciate each day with these thoughtful Words To Live By.
Conclusion
The Gain reminds us that time is not always measured by what we accomplish. Sometimes the moments that seem to slip away are the very ones that bring us the greatest happiness. Wilhelmina Stitch shows us that thinking of someone we care about can turn what appears to be a loss into something truly valuable.
As you go through your day, remember that not every minute needs to be filled with activity. Taking time to remember a friend, appreciate a loved one, or simply reflect on happy memories is never time wasted. After all, the hours we give to love and friendship may be the greatest gain of all.
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