Life and Poetry

I don't get out much when it comes to poetry. But the following dubbed cowboy poetry was on a PBS show. It was being read at the exact moment I turned on the TV this week twice. I took it as a message. I am burned out right now and taking a little rest from work for the next three days.


The Guy in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self,

And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,

Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,

For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,

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.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,

And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.

Dale Wimbrow (c) 1934

1895-1954

Picture from Faithringold.com