FRIDAY STORY | S1:E4 | The South African Origins of Kipling's Poem: "If -" 

Thanks Michael, as a South African living in England, your posts are amazing, bringing a tear to my eye every time

You are a treasure Michael, thank you to Nedgroup Investments that exposed me and hundreds of my colleagues to your storytelling. You are inspirational and educational. Gerrie Bosman

I walked in the Jungle of Vanuatu today-i played this on my celphone as a youtube download-this narration and anecdotal history left me sad and missing my country-Such a stunning narration , stunning writing-you made me proud. My biltong came right this week-.

I’ve always loved and quoted this poem. And Pippa and I saw the quote above the players entrance to center court when we went to Wimbledon last year. I took an amazing photo of Federer walking beneath it. But had no idea if it’s origins and the sad story of Kipling’s son. Thank you for educating us Mike!

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too. If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream-and not make dreams your master; If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves 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 make a heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew 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 them: "Hold on!" If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And-which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!

Can you make another video of you just reciting the poem? Your voice, enunciation, meter and time seem perfect for it.

Love your work . Keep it going !!!

Brilliantly done.

Dear Michael I have now watched most of your videos. They are simply brilliant. Well done. Will be in touch via your website for a possible opportunity.

As SAFAS we carry our country with us. ....always!

I had no idea, no idea. Really....

Thanks for such a stunning share -my SAFA friend. Great music- great story and great read. Proudly South-African. With a lump in my throat.