Something short and sentimental, courtesy of Kipling.

(good cakes so I hear)



IF....


If you can keep his head when he is bent on
losing it, then blaming it on you
If you can trust yourself when he is doubting, despite demanding you
should doubt you too
If you can hear through crashes, bangs and clamour to that hidden cue
that tells you where he's gone
And even though he argues and defies you, believe and push still
harder to move on


If you can find in unforgiving hours a moment when he's yours and
yours alone
If you can know that place you both belong to is where he is, and why
you call it home
If you can share his time and tears and laughter and to him trust a
fair and equal share
If you can feel his triumphs and disasters, yet make him know you
only need HIM there


If you can hold his head when comes the shying, and turn him without
use of whip or spur,
If you can hold his hand when he is lonely and determined you won't
know and you won't care
If you can find the words to reach and hold him when anger or
frustration make him deaf
If you can hear his mind when he says nothing, though his eyes be the
only voice that he has left


if you can spar with fury and frustration and still have love and
patience when you're done

Yours is his heart, and everything that's in it

And what is more, that gift is honest won.