I’m not a big fan of poetry, except the kind that’s accompanied by music. But there are a few poems I’ve read in my life that had an impact on me. I mentioned Brother Kipling in a post yesterday, and thought about his work quite a bit. This post is the result.
His poem, If, is probably my favorite. When events around me get to be a bit overwhelming, I let my mind drift back to the stanza or line that applies at the moment. I can’t say his words are truth–that’s a judgement way above my pay grade–but I agree with them. In fact, I’ve used this poem on special occasions for special people. I printed copies on small pieces of paper and gave them to my sons to keep in their wallets. Something to lean on when they need a prop to steady them. I made framed copies for every graduating cadet I had the honor of swearing in as a new second lieutenant. And I reread it myself fairly frequently. Please take the time to read it and grasp its meaning.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream–and not make dreams your master,
If you can think–and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings–nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And–which is more–you’ll be a Man, my son!
–Rudyard Kipling
Now, think just a bit about it in relation to this year’s elections–not just for President, but for all offices at all levels. Perhaps it will help you in your evaluation of candidates, and the eventual decision you’ll make in November. Those of you who read my writing know how I intend to vote. Does it make more sense in this context?