Oldie But Goodie

I found this poem in a pile of very old memorabilia it still holds true, especially in light of my last post :)

The Person in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
and the world makes you special for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that person has to say.

For it isn't your mother, your father, acquaintances in life
Whose judgement on you must pass.
The person whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.

It's the person to please, never mind all the rest
cause that person is with you clear to the end;
And you've passed your most dangerous and difficult test
If the one in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Little Jack Horner and chisel a plum
And say you are great with a sigh,
But the person in the glass says you are a bum
If you can't look that one 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 the final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the one in the glass.   Anonymous