The small, private elementary school that I attended held an awards ceremony at the close of each school year. Each class had a poem or a saying that it recited during this ceremony. Only three of these stand out from the five ceremonies that I went through — second through sixth grades. I remember my sister having to recite a shortened version of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, by Beatrix Potter when she was in first grade — my second grade year. In fifth grade, I remember reciting “The Gettysburg Address”. However, sixth grade was the year that stood out the most for me for, in that year, we had to memorize and recite “If—” by Rudyard Kipling.
To me, “If—” is a philosophy for how I try to live my life. The poem instructs me to stand for what I believe is right, but to still consider the advice of others. It teaches patience and to turn the other cheek. It teaches to keep working hard, even when life seems to kick you when you are down. Most importantly, it exemplifies what it means to be a Man.
To this day, “If—” is still one of my favorite poems and I have read it many times over the last eighteen years. If you have never read it, I urge you to give it a try. As for me, I think it is time for me to memorize it again.
Popularity: 3% [?]
