The Man in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self,

And the world makes you king for a day,

Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,

And see what that man has to say.

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For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife,

Who judgement upon you must pass.

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

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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 difficult, dangerous test

If the man in the glass is your friend.

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You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years

And get pats on the back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

– Dale Wimbrow (1934)