The Man in the Glass

In honor of Medusa.



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,

Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,

And see what that man has to say.



For it isn't your father or mother or wife,

Who judgment upon you must pass;

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one starring back from the glass.



He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest.

For he's with you clear up to the end,

And you've passed the most dangerous, difficult test

If the man in the glass is your friend.



You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,

And think you're 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.



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 the heartaches and tears

If you've cheated the man in the glass.



Dale Wimbrow (c) 1934

1895-1954

To thine own self be true.

The PC Version.

The Person in the Glass



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 person has to say.



For it isn't your father or mother or spouse,

Who judgment upon you must pass;

The person whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one starring back from the glass.



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

For they're with you clear up to the end,

And you've passed the most dangerous, difficult test

If the person in the glass is your friend.



You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,

And think you're a wonderful thing,

But the person in the glass says you're only a bum

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



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 the heartaches and tears

If you've cheated the person in the glass.

Some find philosophy in Aristotle and Plato, others can find it in the ruminations of a little known depression era American author.

I don't think judgement day, if it exists, is a grand procession on clouds with an inquisitor and judges, it's just us and a mirror.

We're our own judges.

God help us.

You got it, Spank.

spanky said:

To thine own self be true.

Click to expand...

I wish you spoke like this more often because these ideas are the heart of most religions as far as I can decipher.

I know you hate all the supposed miracles and mumbo jumbo but it's the philosophy of 'love your life' that I get out of reading the history of scriptures.
I don't believe in most of it though there are two messages, one is condemning and harsh and the other is more about wisdom and love. You take the message that resonates with you most, which is a choice we're all offered.

We read this every season of football. It is a good motivator.