Fit Company...

Myself

by Edgar Guest

I have to live with myself and so
I want to be fit for myself to know.
I want to be able as days go by,
always to look myself straight in the eye;
I don't want to stand with the setting sun
and hate myself for the things I have done.
I don't want to keep on a closet shelf
a lot of secrets about myself
and fool myself as I come and go
into thinking no one else will ever know
the kind of person I really am,
I don't want to dress up myself in sham.
I want to go out with my head erect
I want to deserve all men's respect;
but here in the struggle for fame and wealth
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know
I am bluster and bluff and empty show.
I never can hide myself from me;
I see what others may never see;
I know what others may never know,
I never can fool myself and so,
whatever happens I want to be
self respecting and conscience free.

I first read the above poem years ago.The first two lines have stayed in my memory and often serve as a reminder in my not-so-shining-moments to remember who it is that we will always live with...ourselves!

Janet~

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

James 1:23-24