I was writing a talk a few weeks ago and while working through my scriptures I stumbled upon this poem I remember writing in there while on my mission in early 2000. I want to say it was while I was in Runcorn, England, but I cannot say for sure. It struck me as relevant now as it was then. Just to be clear, I did not write or compose this poem. I tried to locate a copy online and found the first paragraph, but none of the rest. It says it is author unknown (for at least the first paragraph). I did find that David O. McKay cited the first paragraph in a talk in 1967.

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What though I conquer my enemies

And law up store and pelf

I am a conquer’r poor indeed

‘Till I subdue myself.

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What though I learn and read by heart

Whole books while I am young

I am a linguist of disgrace

who cannot guard my tongue.

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What though on campus I excel

A champ in meet and fight

If trained, efficient, still I can’t

Control an appetite

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What though exemptious write my name

High on the honor roll

Electives, solids fail me if

I learn no self-control

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What though I graduate and soar

and life is good to me

my heart shall write me failure ’till

I learn self-mastery

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