"Thinking"
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't.
Notice that the first two lines are half repeated, also that each line begins with "If" except the last one which changes to "It's."
In the first lines you have an example of reversed Alphabetical Sequence in the "b" of beaten preceding the "a" of are, b-a instead of a-b.
Alphabetical repetition occurs as a guide in the second line in the "d" of "dare" and "don't". Again in the next lines of the "w" of "win" and "won't."
Note the alphabetical arrangement of the guide letters of each line. Write in front of each line its guide letter; first line "b" of "beaten", second "d" of "dare"; third "w" of "win", fourth the "won" of "won't", these can be used as guide letters, and if noted will help.
Take your pencil and mark the verse as suggested and use the words and letters as guides, go over it a couple of times noting these helps and you will be able to say it word for word.
Do the same with the other verses; if practical have the child learn this poem. See that he gets its true lesson: