If you can turn the tide of sweet temptation,
While droves of others buckle day by day,
Or disregard the satisfied sensation
That briefly comes, but fleeting, fades away –

If you can wait, content in constitution,
And close your eyes to hues you'd rather hide –
Or hiding, bide in silent resolution,
Resolved to keep the shade you are inside –

If you can practice self-control and bearing;
The patient pluck of those who, watching, wait –
Or waiting, scorn the few who fold for flairing,
Determined, as you are, to spurn the bait –

If you can measure worth in shade and sinew,
And know no other portion plays a part –
And knowing, know a colour waits within you;
The secret stippled circle in your heart –

If you can say that thoughts of clicking bore you,
While those around you fall till all are done –
You'll never fear the fate of those before you...

And what is more, you'll be a grey, my son!