If ...

(to my daughter)
 

If you can be as graceful as the rose
In the company of the weed and ugly thorn;
If you can keep that distinctive pose
That separates the great from the norm,
And being sure of your worth and value
Give always credit to whom credit is due.

If you can hold your head up high
In front of friends and cunning knaves;
If you can share in the laugh or cry
Of kings, and also humble slaves,
And give your whole body and mind
To help those who've lagged behind.

If you always behave in manner fitting
Those who truly know their stance and place;
If you, on being lied about of wrong doing
When innocence stares them in the face,
Can continue in your path unswerving,
And never look back nor change your pace.

If you can run in life's demanding race
And never loose your touch or your grace;
If you believe in the fight you have fought
And count all misfortunes as of nought,
Without loosing your spirit or your laughter,
You're a Woman, my daughter, now and hereafter.

Empangeni, 1987.
 

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