The Man in the Glass
Saturday, October 4th, 2008Came across an interesting poem in the last couple days that I wanted to share:
Anonymous
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 that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in you life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people might think you’re a straight-shooting chum
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.
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 dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
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 heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
To me, this poem speaks about integrity and honesty. It is a reminder that in order for others around me to respect me, that I must be truthful to myself.
In terms of working out/ bodybuilding, I see this poem as motivation on a few different levels. Firstly, I take it as a challenge to be the best that I can be and to have discipline, I cannot cheat myself if I expect to live healthy and happy. Secondly, it is a reminder that at the end of the day, I have to answer to myself before anyone else and that I must hold myself accountable for my choices, good and bad.
What do you all think? What does this poem say to you?
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