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 on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe 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!
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Comments
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Great Work~
Great poems articulating courage in ones soul and the ability to conquer all...amazing work here that can be awarded such pleasure from the poet bard of Old~tk u for sharing...PS -
love love love love it
From guest vines darby (contact)
the first time i heard this poem i was in the 8th grade and my clasmates and i made it our creative arts class pledge everytime before class we would resite it and at our highschool graduation myself and two of my friends resited it for the whole school i am now 20 and everyday before i get my day started i resite this poem -
graduation card
From guest bill barnes (contact)
I was given this poem when I was a young man by my uncle, and would like to pass it on as a graduation card. Any suggestions where to find it? Thanks -
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To Guest Bill Barnes
I agree this would make a fine thought for a graduation card.
Why not print it out and make your own card? or you might consider Edgar Guest's poem on the same theme http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/32138-Edgar-Albert-Guest-My-Creed
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If
A wonderful poem a letter from a father to a son. Could you furnish me the background of this poem This would be very helpful in the lessons on life that God is teaching me as I try to understand the context in which R. Kipling
Thanks & God bless -
Hello!
From guest Isto (contact)
Hey, I am Isto Tuigamala and I live on a small island on the Pacific Coast. I go to school at Samoa Baptist and we are learning your poem in school. I just came by to ask, "What made you write the fourth stanza?" I am so encouraged by it. I like it. Please e-mail me to say why. ---thanks -
This makes me think... so beautiful, by God.
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Ms. Lelia Davis, My High School Latin Teacher
I thought so much of my high school Latin teacher that when I graduated from Law School far away from home in those days at Tulane in New Orleans, I sent her a graduation invitation back to Nacogdoches, Texas, where I had gone to high school and she had taught me, just to let her know I had made it. In return she sent me a very nice congratulating greeting card with this poem printed on it, which poem has always since been an inspiration to me and which card I still retain as a prized possession these forty-one or so years later. Thank God for great teachers!
Sincerely,
Hardy Parkerson, Atty.
Lake Charles, LA
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My grandfather used to recite this. He's dead now, so reading this poem is a nice way to remember him. It is still one of my favorite poems, but only because of him...if he hadn't loved it, neither would I.
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I always loved this poem throughout school and still do it is my favorite poem!!!
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Kipling...
From guest Malcolm (contact)
...is on my list of 10 fantasy dinner guests from any time in history and he is very very near the top of the list!! 'IF' is inspirational. It lifts the spirit and ones' aspirations. It requires us all to strive to be the best we can, and rewards us with the satisfaction that in doing so you can truly feel worthwhile, no matter how poor, or humble your position in this vulgar world. -
If I could have any ten...
From guest Malcolm (contact)
...dinner guests from anytime in history Kipling would have to be amongst 'em and very close to the top!! 'IF'is truly inspirational and is rightly regarded as the best poem ever written. -
If...by Rudyard Kipling
From guest suseann
If...all these things were possible.This would be a Prince of grace amongst mere mortals.Great compassions were thought out in the artist/poet's composing of this piece. I found the form in which it was written unique and plausible. I enjoyed it. -
If yer can read this again with out it doing yer 'ead in,
Then yer a better man than I am Gunga Din!
*@D*
RT. -
From guest debilynn (contact)
a fantastic write. this poem touches hearts and possibly has the ability to change sonmeones heart. written for a son it also applies to females. i enjoyed reading this very much -
From guest Sarah Kennedy (contact)
I was taught this poem in school many,many years ago.It is a great poem. I hope they still teach things like this in school as it is a real life lesson. -
If
From guest Julie (contact)
I have lived all my life with this poem, it is on my bedroom wall where it has been since I was five. It is the last thing I see at night and the first I see in the morning, it has inspired me to be the very best that I can be in every area of my life. All the more heartbreaking that the poet lost his sons in the great war. -
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From guest Dead Kennedy Rolls (contact)
I first heard of this poem through a typing course I was taking, but I quickly forgot about it because of the pace of that class. Then, recently I watched the on-screen adaption of Joseph Condrad's "Heart of Darkness," and Marlon Brando's character was supposed to have said something along the lines of this poem. I looked it up just now and read the entire thing again. I think that Rudyard Kipling was trying to incorporate into this poem the virtues that observed were lacking in the average man, or virtues that he wished to acheive himself. As for the form, which I am particularly fond of because of the flow of Kipling's words (although I think that some of them seem slightly forced and average), I must quote another commentator (RobbWindow) : "['If...' is] neat in that it lies in four verses with eight lines to each verse with eleven syylables upon most lines." Ufortunately, OldPoetry does not list the year written, which would be interesting to note as well. -
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if.
From guest susan (contact)
I gave my son a copy of this when he was nine.......even over the years it still has the power to move me to tears...... all my family can recite this verbatim ,boy and girl alike....It just has the ability to touch your heart -
From guest shobs (contact)
One of the best poems I have come across. Speaks of the real strengths and virtues of life much of which often gets forgotten amidst the rush for modern comforts and achievements. Inspiring and awesome. -
IF
From guest Gilbert Peck (contact)
My favorite poem and life lesson from my grandfather, who read it to me when I was six years old--57 years ago! -
WONDERFUL OLD POEM
From guest ART PHILLIPS (contact)
MY WIFE HAS NEVER READ THE POEM "IF" - MY SON IS TURNING 18 AND I WANTED TO ADD THIS POEM TO HIS SCRAPBOOK. IT IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVOURITES. -
From guest Allen Bacon (contact)
I am, at 46, just now beginning to read poetry. This is my kind of poetry. It speaks truth. It gives a valuable lesson in real manhood. If this is what one can expect from Mr. Kipling I believe that I will read more and in all likelyhood become a great fan. -
From guest SUBASH (contact)
A POEM FOR DOOMED YOUTH, I SIMPLY WOULD LIKE TO SAY THIS. I DONT'T LIKE TO COMMENT MORE NOT BECAUSE I CANT BUT BECAUSE I RESPECT POEMS & POETS. -
Wonderful
From guest Heather (contact)
This is definitely something to live by. I already have it memorized! -
Inspirational
From guest Dana Kuhn (contact)
If so affected my thought process both as a child inspired by my Grandfathers love and respect for Kipling and his strong works, especially "If", and as a young Father when my own Son became 12 I gave him a framed copy of the poem. Outstanding ! -
From guest Riley Tatum (contact)
This was a wonderful poem... Very inspiring, and I love how it gives wisdom to younger people! I like how it talks about the right and wrongs of life... But for me, it was hard to understand... I had to analyze until I finally understoond it. I also love how it talks about hope. Riley Tatum =D -
Superb!
From guest fool no1 (contact)
Every line, every word brilliant. An age old favourite with me that sits in my minds archives so that I may draw on it in times of reflection.... -
From guest Shirley (contact)
Agreed, Kipling appears to set a high standard to achieve Manhood/Adulthood. But that is the essence of achieving adulthood - only once you can succeed in these areas, perhaps after periods of failure, can you claim to have the knowledge and experience of being adult. It is only through the process of striving for excellence that we learn the true meaning of achievement. -
Personal favourite.
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Hope
To me it talks of hope to hold on it gives ageless wisdom to us this is the first time i read it for me it has to simmer then it shows what underneath -
impressive the way he shares his elderly wisdom gained from his walks of life in simple words... without seeming forced and just as a guidance
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With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
OOOWCH! -
IF this is a good poem.
i am a wombat -
If only...
Rudyard Kiplings If is appropriatly named its neat in that it lies in four verses with eight lines to each verse with eleven syylables upon most lines.
It appears to be charged with the grandeur of parenthood on first glance and I'd even be as bold to say yes Mr Kipling men do still call there father Dad, but have they really assertained the approval of manhood, for the verses ring elements of truth yet where does one hold the gripes or discontentments in todays society, especially even now the rural regions of society are fresh in temptation of spilling the beans; if not want of conversation, o.k so some forms of Kiplings If I feel yes I've aspired to but anyway back to the poem.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If I guess in the first line is chose due the anticipation that this is tricky ( if only ) but the assumption 'keep your head suggests that Kipling thinks this message important for the mind, but the suggestion of folks loosing their heads around them is almost diagnosing the unknown which although appears a no no, there is an element of truth. The choice of this piece begins soft then subtly introduces the hasher w's yet as I read on I realise the need for disscression upon myself as a critique that humbles me in this new analytical approach this poem is all about not just himself the poet (as most poems) but it does manage to summarize all about the guiding traits of manhood in a minute space: rendering this poem a classic, if want of the word
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Exceptionally brilliant!
A timeless gift of sage advice for young and old.
Whoever says Kipling's writings are outdated? -
Wonderful
Yes, he does ask a lot of a man. But, I think in modern society so much less is asked than should be. An excellent standard of growing up and knowing how to live. To be a woman or a man, this is a wonderful thing to look up to. I haven't read a lot of Rudyard Kipling's poetry, but I shall certainly be reading more! -
The poem raises the level of manhood to almost impossible. I can see some may be able to fill these shoes but most I see cannot. With that said I must say I did love the poem. I liked how I had the authors question and answers in my head while reading. Very easy read I enjoyed.
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I do not know if it raises the level of manhood, so much as the current level of manhood fails to attain this level. As a man, I know and strive for this ideal, partly because of parental influence, but also because of the inherent challenge to being a "man" such as a "man" should be. While he was writing the story to give light on his perceptions of 'manhood' he also was challenging those around him to go beyond themselves to become the 'best' "man" they could be. Does this mean the ideal in unachieveable, I do not think so, but do most men fail in achieving the ideal, by far I agree with you on that point. With respect to being a "man" myself, I believe that I am in light of how my parents raised me, and hopefully I can instill those values and that condition into my children, because a parent who does not perform that fails in their ultimate goal of being a parent, or more specifically in this case a "man".
Maybe I am being too old-fashiioned sorry.
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If this is what a man is then I will work harder to become a man! Let none be greater or less than me but let me be. So you disagree, forget it, the importance is lost on my transcendental journey.
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Definitly one of Kiplings best ranks right up there with his "Battle of East and West" and "Recessional"
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Excellent
Very easy to read and absorb. I love the whole thing.Such an inspiring piece that i have enjoyed for years. -
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i agree completely.
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DancingQueenAngi - Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) I feel he would be pleased though that 69 years after his death his poetry is still being enjoyed by a world-wide audience.
Thanks for visiting Oldpoetry
vonnie
oldpoetry team -
wow. thats all i can think of to say. this was amazing. the flow, the phrasing, the truth, the feeling, everything was great. this poem is very inspiring and beautiful. i dont know what to say but amazing. good job and keep up the good work!!
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A brilliant piece, so many questions aout life, how what when who...
Very well written here, an excellent piece!
Lady anairO -
even though kipling was usually an overbearing, barbarous chauvinist and a huge racist, this is a good poem.
::bows::
it is inspiring.. but, also frustrating. the ideas suggest a perfect person and that, if you are not that person, you are not worthy of the nomenclature: man. ::shakes head:: i know i'm no man. ::sigh:: -
I received this poem on a plaque from a dear friend after graduating high school twenty two years ago and, I still have it to this day and read it each time I get a chance. It's a beautiful poem that teaches important virtues. Rudyard Kipling was a brilliant author and poet to have written something as powerful as this piece.
Avril
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I love it. (sigh) so brilliant and true and wonderful.
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Yep, I've had to memorize the whole piece before. It's really a great one, that's really powerful when you think about it..
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it is just astounding aint it,
so wise so wonderful one of my faves
lisa xx -
Truly inspiring write, I am so glad I click on it. Powerful!! Thanks for sharing it with us all.
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This has always been one of my favorite works....along with Desiderata. Love that final line.....And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son! (or ... which is more----you'll be a Woman, my daughter!) Cheryl
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Hey i love the writer and had never read this poem...i loved it it was such an inpiration and thanx for puttin it up....
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I've always admired kipling. Not only was he a Freemason but also inspired Badenpowell to found the Boyscouts movement through his book, 'Jungle Book.' He led an impressive life. Thanks for publishing his work.
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One of the truest most inspiring poems I've ever read. Very powerful, one of the best ever written.
-Nicole -
I have this poem on my bedroom wall, it is possibly the most spiritualy boosting poems ever written.
This poem has been voted as The best alltime poem in England and it is easy to understand why.
If I could live one day like this, I would be a proud man.
Andrew -
One of the best ever written I think.
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This poem -seriously- touches me. My Choir director at school actually wrote music to the original.. and we got to perform it. The additions you gave,I feel, made it more powerful, and I wish that those additions could only be added to the song somehow. The poem itself was absolutely beautiful, and you only added to it's beauty. Thank you for sharing, and you did a wonderful job
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Personal faves...both the poem and the poet!
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I remember having to memorize this poem! I love it.....
~sweetgurl -
There's a reason it is so well known...
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One of my personal favorites. An inspiration.
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One of the Best, most Potent poems ever in my view!
-How True!!!
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