Initial ideas for a blackwork leg sleeve inspired by stoic poem IF

This is what a business in United States was looking for in their tattoo design

I would like to create a black and gray tattoo leg sleeve (knee to hip, wrapping around the whole leg) based on the poem IF by Rudyard Kipling.

I understand that this is a big design ask! I will be working with my tattoo artist to refine the drawings but I am having trouble launching the initial ideas. Design submissions are welcome to be sketches or mock ups of some ideas; does not need to be a finished product with shading, etc!

I would like to use symbolism and pictures to reflect the scenes from the poem rather than a block of text. I would also like the sleeve to be feminine (strong is ok) in appearance. Finally, I would like to see if we can weave together the images vs being a patchwork design. Read more