IF

If you can be
ever good
 
When all around
is bad
 
If you can be
equable
 
When the whole
world is sad
 
If you can yet
be sane
 
When all the world
is mad
 
If you can hold
to right
 
When all around
is wrong
 
If you can yet be
true
 
When the world
around is not
 
If you can still be
brave
 
Whilst others
capitulate
 
If you can yet hold
To love
 
When others are
plim with hate
 
If you can still
forgive
 
whilst others
rush to judge
 
If you can stay
the course
 
Whilst all others
abscond
 
If you can hold
your own
 
When all others
kowtow
 
If you can
rise above
 
When others
slowly sink
 
If you can be
magnanimous
 
Whilst all others
stay harsh
 
*
 
If you can still
keep the faith
 
When all others
betray
 
If you can withstand
the night
 
Whilst others
cling to day
 
Then even the gods
will worship you
 
And let you
lead the way

 
[©R.Kanth2022]
 
Professor Rajani Kanth, is Author of Coda, A Day in the Life, and Expiations