The Man in the Glass - A Poem

WHEN you get what you want in your struggle for self,
And the world makes you King for a day.
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,
and see what this man has to say.

For remember, it isn’t your father or mother,
Or wife, whose judgment you must pass.
The fellow that counts most in your life
Is the one staring back in the glass.

Some people may call you a straight-shooting chum,
And think you’re a wonder guy.
But the man in the glass will tell you 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 life,
And get pats on your back as you pass.
Your final reward will be heartache and tears,
If you’ve cheated that man in the glass.

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 that man in the glass is your friend.