When I was in grade 4, I discovered a poetry book of Robert Service’s work that my mother had on a shelf. I was on a search for a poem to memorize that needed to be presented in class the next day. The book included, Service’s iconic work The Cremation of Sam McGee. But faced with having to memorize and recite a poem, that seemed too long, so, I flipped through the pages looking for something shorter (but at least longer than “FOG”, by Carl Sandburg). I chose, GRIN. The next day, in front of the class I nailed it. It’s public domain now, so I include it here as a lesson for life and business. I could have called the page GAARIN, but come on, that would be too cliche, no?
GRIN
If you’re up against a bruiser and you’re getting knocked about –
Grin.
If you’re feeling pretty groggy, and you’re licked beyond a doubt –
Grin.
Don’t let him see you’re funking, let him know with every clout,
Though your face is battered to a pulp, your blooming heart is stout;
Just stand upon your pins until the beggar knocks you out –
And grin.
This life’s a bally battle, and the same advice holds true,
Of grin.
If you’re up against it badly, then it’s only one on you,
So grin.
If the future’s black as thunder, don’t let people see you’re blue;
Just cultivate a cast-iron smile of joy the whole day through;
If they call you “Little Sunshine,” wish that they’d no troubles, too –
You may – grin.
Rise up in the morning with the will that, smooth or rough,
You’ll grin.
Sink to sleep at midnight, and although you’re feeling tough,
Yet grin.
There’s nothing gained by whining, and you’re not that kind of stuff;
You’re a fighter from away back, and you won’t take a rebuff;
Your trouble is that you don’t know when you have had enough –
Don’t give in.
If Fate should down you, just get up and take another cuff;
You may bank on it that there is no philosophy like bluff
And grin.
by Robert William Service (1874 – 1958)