According to Buddha

In this path there is no loss of the unfinished effort for realization, nor is there creation of contrary effects. 

’twas in another lifetime one of toil and blood
when blackness was a virtue, the road was full of mud
i came in from the wilderness a creature void of form
and if i pass this way again you can rest assured
i’ll always do my best for her on that i give my word
in a world of steel-eyed death and men who are fighting to be warm
“come in,” she said,
“i’ll give you shelter from the storm.”

***

Alberta Railway Museum, Edmonton ~ March 2016.