If - Rudyard Kipling

[JMAsfx]

This is the poem, that has literally changed my life.

This is the poem, that i am trying to do my very best to live by, every single last second of the day.

This is the poem, that i just wished! was mine.

[shalimarsgirl]

Amazing how this minuscule two letter word can have such a spiritually decisive impact on our perception. I wonder how many can live up to all these noble expectations. Nevertheless, it truly is a very great timeless work of art, and when recited so beautifully, it leaves a lasting inspirational imprint. A favorite, for sure!

[cosg9531]

If... I actually thought that this was excellent writing, I would say so.

[InhabitantOfOddworld]

Believe it or not, he is my great great great great uncle.

[Chippychris1]

It is my most favourite piece of writing.

Though is a very powerful piece of advice, Kipling did force his son Jack into the military in the Great War, when he could hardly see without his glasses. The Military turned him down, but Kipling using his connections, got his son fighting in the front line. His son died because of this. Kipling was right in his advice to us all, but he pushed his son Jack, way too far beyond.

[tevyethemad]

@Chippychris1 Kipling did so because he believed that it would have been wrong to do otherwise. He believed that every young man should answer his country's call to arms. And had Kipling been younger he would have signed on with out a doubt as well. And let us not forget that Kipling loved his son dearly, and mourned his loss, but he knew he died defending his nation, and while this hurt, I'm sure Mr. Kipling was unendingly proud of his son.

[japanesesen]

BRILLIANT!!

[Bettysoon]

You'll be a man my son . Tu es une femme, ma fille

[yoobulgaria]

@Bettysoon SUPER!

[PointBlanc1231]

Fantastic! What a powerful reading voice too and powerful imagery too.

I've listened to this thrice today and shared the link with friends.

Thank you.

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

@PointBlanc1231

Thank you. It is good to know.

[offthehook2]

Wise words. I got these words on my wall.

Always makes me stare and humble myself and shake off the arrogance in me.

Great wise words. Awesome.

[58Astra]

great poem,

thank you!

[qaiserize]

well m a urdu speaking gay 4rm pakistan nd have read many poetz but nthing like this havent understud da exact meanings bt have learnd it coz it has tuched my heart may be in future i might be able to understabd da meanings bt its simply awsome

[LazlosPlane]

I'm sorry but who is the reciter?  Who is reading this?

[repsaj8990]

it said it at the end samuel godfrey george

[samthespartan]

its my favourite poem this one. however, sad that Mr Kipling wrote this 5 years before his son passed (at 2nd Ypres, i think). just shows that sometimes even if you have all these values, or dream of these values, they come down to nothing

[noshinsuleman]

no..rudyard kipling worte this poem for his son on his son's 18th birthday...teaching him about all the values and morals he will need for becoming a man...

[hmcc1995]

genius

[Nuentendu]

This is the manual to life in my opinion.

[MercifulBoss]

Agreed. However, a manual not easy to follow.

[cliffw77]

This is taken directly from Matthew 5 or 6

[sunreyes23]

This is looking faarrr into the future (as I don't even have children yet), but I would like to give a copy of this poem to my son when he turns 16.

Love this poem and the idea it relates!

[calvachea]

It is always much better hearing the actual poet reciting his/her works'

[Tomtube1991]

it is.... but this is read by Samuel Godfrey George

[Areku555]

Absolutely wonderful. I have just purchased The complete poetical works of Rudyard Kipling and I must say it is most inspiring. Spirit with you.

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

May the Spirit be with you too. Thank you, and enjoy your reading.

[PrincessSun106]

awesome!*.* i'm italian and i'm only 15 so maybe i'm too little to understand the real meaning of this poem..but the words in english..your voice..wow..this really made my day better..

my favorite poem ever!

thank you..

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

By not retaliating in kind to lies and hatred, a person may come across as overly righteous and unacceptably wise. Often people who appear extremely wise and good are resented by others, who are most probably troubled by their own shortcomings in the presence of such people.

[MABKBDS]

its a great poem.

i agree with most of it, yet i dont understand when it means don't talk to wise or sound too good or something like that. can anyone explain? please clik on reply to reply else i won't know! thanks

[Leomidjungard]

For me, I interpret that as a warning against arrogance. It is a calling to conduct oneself in humility, humbleness... to not attract attention to oneself by acting aloof, for that attention you attract might offend someone and bring on hatred. I find that the common theme of this poem is a calling to become a humble person, yet someone who is not trampled on by others.

-One man's opinion-

[MABKBDS]

Thanx! that helps...

I guess i didnt see it clear cut cos nowadays its about showing off a lot! thanx for replying.

[yafanna3]

I think it's just wonderful!

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

Your warm approval is well appreciated.

[Alecssei]

Among my all time favorite poems!!!!

I love IF

Thank you for posting this,

Alexey

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

You are most welcome Alexey.

[angelheartie123]

who says this

[bafr1]

5*****

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

Thank you Brendan.

[bafr1]

you are very welcome my friend

[MercifulBoss]

This poem is a masterpiece. Not many such memorable poems, that contain so many lessons, exist. Kipling, was a genius of a man. Thank you, Samuel. Thank you Rudyard Kipling.

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

You are most welcome.

[sanchezdot]

Rudyard rulz :P

[clockmakers55]

Well done. I enjoyed watching and listening.

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

Your appreciation of my work means a lot to me. Thank you.

[Kvasekbw]

I must admitt I am impressed, since it's the best reading of "If" on YouTube I could find. I keep playing it over and over again, to be honest.

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

This little effort of mine is special to me, and the knowledge of the fact that it appeals to someone else is indeed reassuring. Thank you.

[MercifulBoss]

One suggestion to improve your reading, is to put some more emotion and passion into it. But otherwise your reading is good.

[samuelgodfreygeorge]

Thank you for that suggestion.