You must fall like a feather
And bounce like a ball,
If people cut you short
You must stand really tall.
If kicked while you're down
Make sure that you get up,
Show you're a dog with teeth
If they whip you like a pup.
If they dampen your spirit
Show your hope is still dry,
If clouds cover your parade
Make your fly-pass extra high.
If hit hard below the belt
Smile and shake their hand,
If your life goes off course
Just imagine it was planned.
Flex and bend like a willow
But retain a heart of oak,
If someone upsets you
Try and treat it as a joke.
You must fall like a feather
And bounce like a ball,
And - always come out fighting
When your back's against the wall.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem