My Response To: If, by Rudyard Kipling

The first theme of this poem that I believe is being presented: Live a life worth living. For example, in the fourth stanza, there's a line that says, "With sixty seconds' worth of a distance run..." this line states that it is important to spend every moment you have doing something worth doing. So, don't spend every moment of your life watching television, or eating junk food. Spend it doing something healthy (like going for a run), or educational (like reading a book), for example.

The second theme I spotted in this poem was what it takes to become a man. This became apparent in the line of the last stanza, "And-which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!" Throughout the whole entire poem, Rudyard Kipling describes what is needed to become a better citizen and person in general. Basically, no matter what happens, you should always stay the same person that you are inside. In particular, a man must be humble, patient, rational, truthful, dependable, and persevering. 

Lastly, this poem has a huge relation to my life. Almost every day I read a post from either The Art of Manliness or Zen Habits on how I can become a better man. Striving to become a better man (and personal in general) I use these teachings from those blogs in my day-to-day life. This poem reminds me of my goal and has motivated and inspired me to follow that goal and to love what I believe in.

In conclusion: If, by Rudyard Kipling is a guide for any young boy who wants to be an amazing man in the future.