🚀 go-pugleaf

Organization: The World, Public Access Internet, Brookline, MA
Summary: 
Keywords: 

I found this poem on a BBS, a long time ago, and try to live 
by it. I am not sure who the author is, so I can't give him or
her the credit that is due. It is gender specific, but you can
easily substitute the appropriate words if you are female.
 
 
         The Man In The Mirror

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
  and the world makes you king for a day.
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself
  and see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your parents-your children-or wife
  who judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
  is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people may think you a straight-shooting chum
  and call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
  if you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest
  for he's with you clear to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test,
  if the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life
  and get pats on your back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears,
  if you've cheated the man in the glass.