IF If you can set a good example when all about you Are doing wrong and blaming it on you; If you can treat everyone as you want to be treated, But, remember not all men are as kind as you; If you can be truthful and not be tired by liars, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise, Or being hated, don’t let this weigh on your mind. If you can dream – and not make feelings take over; If you can think – and not make thoughts take over; If you can meet with DANGER and walk away And treat those two bullies just the same; If you can bear to hear the lies others say Twisted by knives 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 be honest and truthful And not be deceitful or exaggerate, And never say a wrong word about another Or hear a wrong word said in their name; If you can push your desires and dreams and hope 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 you: “Carry on!” If you can talk with friends or foe and keep your reputation, Or walk with noblemen – nor forget where you came from, If neither enemies nor caring peers mean to offend you, If all men count with you, but favour none too much; If you can fill the unforgettable moment With sixty seconds’ worth of perseverance – Yours is the Earth and everyone that’s in it, And – which is more – you’ll be a man, my son! Chad I wrote this poem so you know what is expected and know how to be a noble man and not just a man.

Year 6 read ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling and considered what it meant Year 6 read ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling and considered what it meant. They each wrote their own poem based on the original. They were so good we had to share a couple with you. We are so proud of them all! IF If you can never bully when all about you Are being a bully and blaming it on you; But not to be frightened by bullies, If you can stay strong when getting bullied; Or being lied to, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t get involved in hating, And yet, don’t look too good, nor talk too wise. If you can dream – and not make dreams your enemy; If you van think – and not always listen to your thoughts; If you can meet with DANGER and SAFETY And treat those two fraudsters just the same; If you can forgive your accidents Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ‘em with worn-out tools; If you can listen to your heart And never give up, And never breathe a word about your worries; If you can demands your organs, soul and confidence 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 you: “Never give up!” If you can talk with confidence, Or walk with popularity – nor feel like you’re unknown, If neither family nor bullies can defeat you, If all men count on you, but none too much; If you can fill one moment of your life With sixty second’s worth of remembering – Yours is the Earth and all your friends in it, And what’s more – you’ll succeed in life! Amy W