"If you can meet Triumph and Disaster..."

Wrote the chap with the cake-maker's name,

Adding to his  confection like a master -

"And treat those two imposters just the same".

Now, a century on, with the odd snobbish sniff,

Lines from his most famous poem named "IF"

Are probably quoted more frequently than

Most other written works that rhyme and scan.

But there are still many places where winning is all,

And proud faces that cannot face losing a call;

Not seeing that second best is but an aid

To realising and relishing the victory parade.

So, folks, I invite you to sing right along

To these words from a much later popular song:

"Don't lose your confidence if you slip,

Be grateful for a pleasant trip - and

Pick yourself up,

Dust yourself off,

And start all over again."

(Ye ken?!)

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