The Person In The Glass

This piece was given to me many years ago by my father. The author is unknown, but it is as true today as it was so long ago when it was written. The original was called The Man In The Glass. I have adjusted it a bit to fit both men and women because it applies to us all.

The Person In The Glass

 

When you get what you want in your struggle for self

and the world makes you king or queen for a day,

just go to a mirror and look at yourself

and see what that person has to say.

 

For it isn't your father or mother or spouse

whose judgment you must pass,

the person whose verdict counts most in your life

is the one staring back from the glass.

 

Some people might think you're a straight shooting friend

and call you a wonderful soul,

but the person in the glass says you're a bum

if you can't look them straight in the eye.

 

They're the person to please, never mind all the rest

for they're with you clear to the end,

and you've passed your most dangerous test

if the person in the glass is your friend.

 

You may fool the 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 person in the glass.

 

Over the years I have tried to live by these words, and when making a decision I ask myself this one question, "Can I look myself in the eye and feel good about what I have done?" If the answer is yes, then it has been the right decision.