To Be a Man

When you can rise above your
fears to conquer every challenge
that comes to those who dare
to climb the highest heights;
When you can keep on getting up each
time you've failed or been knocked down;
When you can see your greatest strength
lies in your faith and gentleness,
your greatest courage in admitting
your faults, and with God's help
strive to overcome them;
When you can accept responsibility
for resolving all your hurts and break
the chain from generations past;
When you can know and show a father's
love and feel with all your heart;
When you can love yourself, others
and God more than earthly gain,
or fame and recognition, you will,
my son, be then a man –
and indeed a great man at that.

– Dick Innes    © Copyright