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 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 your life
     is the one staring back from the glass.

You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum
     and think your 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.