The ways of life

THE WORLD WOULD NOT BE SUCH A MESS
If you can keep peace in your soul,
If you can be on good term with all persons,
If you can speak your truth quietly and clearly,
If you can listen to the dull and ignorant patiently,
If you can always say sorry when you harmed both friend and foe.

AND EVERYONE WILL LIVE HAPPILY
If you can make everyone feel some value,
If you can strengthen and support the rest,
If you can see the world as one vast plain,
If you don’t look too good, nor talk too wise,
If you can be a constant source of hope to the Hopeless.

FOR NEVER SHALL YOUR GLORY FADE
If you can fight on, fight on, till victory,
If you can fight on, fight on, unflinchingly,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
If you can stand tall no matter how hard you fall,
If you believe you can be anything you want to be.

YOURS WILL BE THE EARTH AND EVERYTHING IN IT
If you can live a life of decency,
If you don’t compare yourself with anyone,
If you can rage against the dying of the light,
If you can be yourself and do not feign affection,
If you can still hold on when there is nothing in you,
If you do not distress yourself with dark imaginations.