And If ...

And if you can be calm to face the mirror  
      accept reflections merely as they are  
ignore the images on glossy covers  
      decide yourself you’ll take it just so far;  
If you can eyeball egos and not falter  
      to hold your own undressed, or clothed all posh  
or walking up the aisle to face that altar  
      can change your mind and say “I don’t! I’m off!”  
   
If you can rock the baby e’er so gently  
      and hear the drunken father crash and fall  
decide forthwith despite he drives a Bentley  
      you’ll leave that night and ne’er return at all;  
If you can seek a pay-rise ‘midst their sniggers  
      and not give up but firmly hold your own  
whilst feeling overwhelmed, upset and jiggered  
      yet know you can’t be bought or ever owned  
   
If you can organise a celebration  
      then get stood up, enjoy it all alone  
and sense your truest worth with full affection  
      remains unchanged through actions done by some;  
If you can travel boldly ‘cross all cultures  
      returning home, grasp better who you are  
and not be pulled off track by all the vultures  
      who’d try and get you drunk in some old bar  
   
And if you keep on seeking real determined  
      to live a life that fits you gracefully  
can face your disappointments, stomach churning  
      go through the darkness, out until you’re free;  
If you can dance and love without a caring  
      dismiss the comments telling you "you ought'a ...",  
If you can do all this with quiet daring  
      you’ll truly be a woman…, precious daughter.