What It Takes
What it Takes
By W. T. Smith
Hanover High School, Grade 11
When you can say "I love you all," and still know where you stand,
When you can bear your people through, and still protect the land,
When you can't watch a good man fall and not reach out a hand,
Then maybe I will suffer you--
Just try to understand.
When you can be at peace with both your self and fellow man,
When you can turn the other cheek and worry for his hand,
When you can give all you have and still make no demand,
Then, perhaps, will I look up,
And watch the way you stand.
When you can keep your promises and never speak a lie,
When you can answer questions as you look me in the eye,
When you can bear the weight of all the world without a sigh,
Then, perhaps, I'll hear you out,
If you can tell me why.
And when you can still be human, be you hated or adored,
And when can you never let yourself be silenced or ignored,
And when you can not be glorious; stay humble, in a word;
On that day will I follow you--
For you will be my lord.
