To Joseph Rudyard Kipling

Роман Уперчук
If you can read between lines of a journal,
If you hear sense even when silence's kept,
If you distinguish flattery and honour,
If alcohol's a point of your neglect,

If you don't let the system blind your reason,
If you find words to talk to everyone,
If you accumulate both strength and wisdom,
If you're armed in case the war would come,

If you think well before the choice of idols,
If you destroy unfairness and falsehood,
If you prove own words by acts regardless
Of your desire, your will, your mind, your mood,

If you're respectful when you deal with people,
No matter they're servants, chiefs, close friends,
If your most necessary gifts are health and freedom,
If you know what to do when money ends,

If you intend to solve, not to postpone,
If you don't consume more than you create -
Then I must say you keep the correct road
And you are strong enough to lead your fate.