If you have read a poem while all around you

Were watching sports and snickering at you

If you can learn to feel when all is entertainment

But find the poem makes you happy too

If you can puzzle and not be tired by puzzling

Over words more weighty than the news

Or being taught by poets learn to love them

But never love another more than you:

If you find an author who speaks across the centuries

While still remaining in your own

And turn to books when your friends hurt you

But never lose yourself too much;

If you can find comfort and solace

In something written long ago

You might be reading Rudyard Kipling

And what is more, he might teach you to write!