The Man in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for gain,
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The one whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the man staring back in the glass.
He’s the one you must satisfy beyond all the rest
For he’s with you right up to the end
And you'll have passed your most difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may be the one who got a good break
Then think you’re a wonderful guy;
But the man in the glass thinks you’re only a fake
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
Getting pats on the back as you pass;
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you have cheated the man in the glass.

A college professor read this poem when I was 19. I have kept a copy of it in my wallet and on my desk ever since.

I read it to my advisory class today as a part of our Character Building exercise on having self-respect.

One response?

"Miss, it doesn't apply to me. I'm a girl. I ain't gonna be lookin' at no MAN in a mirror."

I fear for our future...