When you get all you want and you struggle for self,
and the world makes you king for a day,
then go to the mirror and look at yourself
and see what the man has to say.
For it isn't your mother, your father or wife
whose judgement upon you must pass,
but the man, whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.
He's the fellow to please,
never mind all the rest.
For he's with you right to the end,
and you've passed your most difficult test
if the man in the glass is your friend.
You can fool the whole world,
down the highway of years,
and take 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.
-Anonymous
I came home to this poem today staring at me on my mirror. I pondered over the message it was delivering and came to tears in an instant. It may seem ridiculous, but at the place of death, who else do we have but our own self? To live a life of lies and deceit is to commit a heinous crime, one that will carry with you as you close your eyes one last time. So it seems this poem will remain upon my mirror for further guidance, and it should for all who seek truth. Because truth and belief in your own self will justify the terms which you lived by. And maybe in some way, give your life meaning. Isn't that what everyone seeks?
