If Not

IF NOT If you can’t keep your head when all around you Are keeping their’s and blaming it on you. If you cannot trust yourself when all men look to you And condemn them for relying on you too. If you’re impatient and be tired of waiting, Or being treated honestly, still deal in lies. Or being loved, give way to thoughts of hating And yet look angel-like and talk too wise. If when you dream your dreams are rather lewd, And when you think, your thoughts are just the same. If you can’t project a decent attitude And if you never can accept the blame. If you think only of your selfish needs, Oblivious of the needs of others. Or, caught out in some parlous deed, You blame it on your brothers. If, when you’re in the pub you’re offered just one more And though you’ve had too much you take it. If having one more cigarette may put you at death’s door Yet, knowing that, you just cannot forsake it. If on the football field you hack opponents down, Or, at cricket, sledge to cheat the batsman out. If, given out, you meet the umpires verdict with a frown, Then, in the dressing room, you hurl your bat about. If, in the betting shop, you risk what’s meant for food And, losing it, write I.O.U’s. If still you’re in an unrepentant mood And study once again the racing news. If you have all these faults and many more, You’re not unique when all is said and done. There’s plenty in our family gone before. And what is more - you’ll be my son - my son!