An Impromptu Revision of "If"

 It was my last day teaching an online poetry class, and the students worked on creating their own "If" poem. I created this in about 5 minutes as the model, so it isn't great quality, but it was amusing to put together:

If you can wake up and look out the window,

Greeting the new day with cheer and zest;

If you can follow your dreams but live in the moment,

Knowing that whenever you are, now is best;

If you can make friends with grownups and children

And lend a helping hand to the old;

If you can give hope to the weak and the hungry;

If you don’t get hurt by the hot or the cold;

If you can sing even when your voice is squeaky;

If you can listen without need to respond;

If you know your work is important and meaningful;

If you can accept that sometimes you’re wrong;

If you can take time to notice the flowers;

If cats come to you and dogs rest by your side;

If you can be playful at times, and then serious;

If you know, each day, you’ve nothing to hide;

You will bring hope to those who know you

You will bring love to those who care

You will share joy and live in the moment

You will live life, every day, everywhere.